#lifelessons – Page 5 – rootedbythewater.blog

Cycles

January 21, 20241 Comment

This afternoon I was going through my notes app and noticed I made an entry on September 5, 2023 with the title “Cycles” and Psalms 106. That was it. I had written nothing else in that particular note. Often times a topic will come to mind and I will enter it with a scripture to come back to later. This is one of those cases.

Cycles? Why would I want to write on that topic? Call me odd, but I find the cycles of human behavior quite interesting. People start something, then they stop, then they start again then they stop…. Over and over it goes. Bad habits come into the picture. Sin comes into the picture. Speaking of sin, humanity is stubborn! Oh my goodness. I’m reading through the Bible again and right now I’m in the book of Exodus. The Israelites were SOOOO stubborn. Wow!

Psalms 106 really sums up Exodus pretty well. Let me share some verses here but by all means go read it. Let’s start with this: “Like our ancestors, we have sinned. We have done wrong! We have acted wickedly! Our ancestors in Egypt were not impressed by the Lord’s miraculous deeds. They soon forgot his many acts of kindness to them. Instead, they rebelled against him at the Red Sea. Even so, he saved them— to defend the honor of his name and to demonstrate his mighty power. He commanded the Red Sea to dry up. He led Israel across the sea as if it were a desert. So he rescued them from their enemies and redeemed them from their foes. Then the water returned and covered their enemies; not one of them survived. Then his people believed his promises. Then they sang his praise. Yet how quickly they forgot what he had done! They wouldn’t wait for his counsel!”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭106‬:‭6‬-‭13‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Do you see the cycles?

We modern day people aren’t much better. History tends to repeat itself. We are born in flesh and sin. We are all in need of the salvation Jesus freely gives. Without the help of the Lord, the cycle of sin keeps repeating itself. ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭57‬-‭58‬ says, “But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.”(NLT‬‬) We have a loving God who willl forgive us when we truly confess and repent of our sins. Jesus gives us the victory over the cycle of sin.

This week my Bible study group is starting back up with our weekly study. Our lesson this week is on Bathsheba. So many life applications to learn from her and King Davids mistakes. One of the points of study is “Faith after failure”. King David wrote Psalms 51 after the prophet Nathan had called out Davids adultery with Bathsheba. It is such a beautiful cry of a true repentant heat. We all sin and fall short of the glory of God. But when we do, may we always genuinely confess our sin, agreeing with what God says is right and wrong. May we change and surrender our desires to Jesus for His direction. I absolutely love Psalms‬ ‭51‬:‭10‬-‭12‬,“Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.” (NLT)‬‬. God can use even our mistakes for His glory. Oh the beauty of the ways of the Lord! Psalms‬ ‭51‬:‭17‬ tells us, “The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.” (NLT‬‬)

Surrender to Jesus and let him break the cycle of sin in your life. He is more than enough. If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Astounding

January 15, 2024Leave a Comment

Ever had times when things left you awe stuck and amazed? Recently I finished reading through the book of Genesis in the Bible. I’ve read this many time but this time the story of Josephs life hit me differently. It’s one thing to hear teaching on a few verses at a time, and a whole different thing to read the story though and get a full picture. Not only that but God can give you new insight each time you read something. You can come away with something fresh.

The incredible magnitude of God’s faithfulness in each affliction Joseph faced in his life had me in tears. From being thrown into a cistern by his jealous brothers, to being sold as a slave by those same brothers, being thrown into prison unjustly, to rising to the second highest in Egypt…..God was steadfastly faithful in each and every affliction. As I read with tears rolling down my cheeks, I said, “God you are SO faithful”.

How many of us can say that we don’t complain in the hard times?Anybody? I know I can’t. I do try to always see God’s ways in whatever I’m enduring but many times I fall flat on my face in that regard. Each time Joseph put his faith in God, in the midst of his trial. Each time God faithfully provided Joseph with favor to endure, even thrive through it all. There are so many lessons we can learn from Joseph’s life.

Today as I wrapped up the book of Genesis, Joseph’s father Jacob died and Joseph’s brothers are afraid that Joseph’s anger will come out from being treated so wrongly so many years ago. From a human perspective, Joseph’s brother’s had it coming. But watch how Joseph responds to his brothers after their father’s death. “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭50‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Wow! Such amazing grace and forgiveness!

The grace and integrity Joseph showed throughout his life is something we should strive for. To develop the ability to trust God in the “land of affliction”. May we trust the sovereignty of God and trust He is working it out according to His purposes.

Sometimes the trials, afflictions or tests last a long time. May we learn to be fruitful for the glory of God through it all. May we learn to say “Yes Lord I’m going to praise you through this storm.” The song Yes I Will just came to mind. I will see if I can attach a music video at the end of this blog.

Praise God through it all! Learn to forgive those that hurt you. You might need to even forgive yourself. Don’t beat yourself up when you fall short. Confess, repent and then let it go. God is faithful through it all.

You may come to a point where you need to forgive God. I’ve known people who have been angry with the Lord for having to endure hardship and health situations. People get hung up on “Why am I going through this? Why am I STILL here Lord?” Still in the cistern. Still in the prison. You get the idea? God uses those things to mold us. Malachi 3:3 says, “He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold and silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the Lord.”
‭ ‭(NLT‬‬). Even Job says the following after his many hard trials, “But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.” Job‬ ‭23‬:‭10‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

Trust God. Trust His sovereignty Read His Word and learn His character. You are so greatly loved. Here are some more verses to learn from. “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭(NIV‬‬)

I could go on and on here but I’ve done enough writing and sharing for the day. Learning from Josephs life has blessed me and I pray the lessons I’ve shared in this blog bless you as well. If you or a loved one are facing a hard time, Hang in there. God is not finished with you yet. He is doing a new thing. He can make a way where there isn’t one. Trust Him. Trust His process. ““For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭(NIV‬);. Let’s trust Him.

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Crossover in sight

December 28, 2023December 28, 2023Leave a Comment

Many of my blog cover pictures from this year.

Just a few more days and 2023 will be behind us. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for a fresh new year. At the beginning of 2023 God dropped the word “soar” in my heart. At the time I had no clue why. Honestly, I’m still not quite sure. The year did seem to SOAR by. It seems like it just started and here we are near 2024.

2023 was a year of growth. God has worked with me on overcoming some fears. I will get to that in a minute. Getting feedback from my husband Ron, I evidently have grown in the area of peace. There is peace in my heart even though life is full of uncertainties. At the end of the day, I am confident in who holds my future and I can say 100% that God is faithful and so so GOOD!

About overcoming some fears, I’m learning more and more that I can trust God with everything. Everything can range from family health issues, fear of inadequacies, frustrations with our culture and how to live a life of humility. The list goes on. I’d like to share two key things I learned this year. There’s a big third but some things involve others and I respect their desire for confidentiality.

Late in the Spring, Ron bought us two “sit on top” kayaks. This was such a surprise that he agreed to buy us two. He is not yet a “Kayak lover” but I have hope. We are only about five or six miles from the nearby lake. Since we used to have a SeaDoo, I’m familiar with the water and area. I feel comfortable as I sort of know my way around.

Truth be told, there is an adventure element because my vision is 20/400. Yes you read that right. BUT I can see enough to do it and I love the water. Respecting the challenges, dangers, my limitations, the unknown and being willing to learn is all part of it. I started out on a two seater kayak but I wanted to be free. Being on a one seater with my limitations is pressing it, but God has given me a sound mind to approach the adventure with sound judgement.

I finally got Joshua, our 25 year old son to go with me. He thought he was going to wear me out, but he was in for a surprise, as my endurance gave him a “run for his money”. He also has a vision problem, however his is not nearly as bad as mine. I let him decide on our destination. He remembered an island way out in the lake, back from when we used to SeaDoo. So we set off. We didn’t know how far it was. All we knew was the general direction. We paddled and paddled for quite a while. Getting a bit tired, I finally told him if we didn’t see the island or reach it within 30 minutes, we would turn around. 30 minutes later we had almost reached the island. Talking about a huge accomplishment. We got out of the kayaks at the island and swam around for a bit and rested. Then we had to paddle all the way back. What an adventure! Perseverance , courage, stamina and sheer will to finish what we started. We made a goal and reached it!

The next big challenge to overcome came about in August. My Bible study group had decided to break over the summer and pick back up in September. Our leader got involved in a small group at her church and told us we could go ahead. I was totally stunned when the girls asked me to lead. I agreeded to try but inside I was like, “Lord are you kidding me? I can’t see the book. How in the world am I supposed to do this?” Truth be told I still feel that way. I know my limitations and God knows His power to work in them. I gave in and let Him have His way. I can’t but God can. I oftentimes feel so inadequate. There is a saying, God does not call the quipped, He equips the called. Wow. Boy am I a testament to that. I’m not saying I’m called, but I have definitely made my inadequate self available. We are going to pick back up in January. I can’t wait to see what God has in store.

The third thing I mentioned which I can’t fully disclose but I can share vaguely. It’s been the latter part of the year. Some experiences we had never faced. God has taught me to trust Him more. He has impressed upon me humility. Putting others before myself even if it costs me. Listening even though it wears me slap out with not hearing very well with my cochlear implant processor. That’s something I hope to get right in 2024. 2023 was not a good hearing year, probably due to menopause and hormonal changes. Who knows. I’m not going to worry about it. I’ve learned to say, God this is all I have, help me to make it be all it needs to be. I can’t hear but I can listen and I’ve done a whole lot of that this year. Listen to others needs and pray, pray and pray some more. God has taught me to speak wisdom over situations and trust Him. So it’s definitely been a year of growth, which has soared in some ways.

Im thankful that God still allows me to put into writing the many things He continues to teach me. I have continued to blog each week during this year. Ron got me a real keyboard that magnetically attaches to my iPad. It makes blogging so much easier to be able to “feel” the keys as I type. Me and touch screens don’t get along. To date there have been 5,210 views. Here are my end of the year stats for blogging. This is post #60 for this year. That’s 40.9K words this year, averaging around 693.4 words per post, reaching countries round the world but mostly in the USA. This is no reason for pride but simple gratitude. I could not do it without God. I wouldn’t even want to try.

God has not yet given me a word for 2024. I’m not sure if He will. I do know I will continue to strive to be empty so He can fill and use me in whatever way He desires. As we bring 2023 to a close I can say it is well with my soul. I will wrap this up with Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬-‭14, “No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” (NLT‬‬)

At this point in life if a song could show my testimony I would choose It is well by Bethel Music. I will attach the YouTube music video with lyrics below. Be blessed and Happy New Year. May you experience the love of Jesus like never before.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

ChristmasEve Eve Eve

December 22, 2023Leave a Comment

‘Twas Christmas Eve Eve Eve
When all through Steele Creek,
People were hustling and bustling,
Shopping at a frenzy peak!

All our shopping was done,
but we went out anyway.
It always nice to spread smiles
and say ,”have a nice day”

Spreading cheer is s gift
that people surely need,
Saying “Merry Christmas”
Is quite like planting a seed.

A seed did she say?
Why yes she sure did.
Planting tiny seeds of joy,
Bring out smiles that were hid.

I often do wonder,
Do they know what it means?
It’s not the gifts, nor Santa
It’s not the decorating scenes.

It’s about Baby Jesus,
Gods only son born long ago.
God’s plan to redeem us
Because He loves us all so.

It’s truly about
Jesus birthday.
What gift will you bring Him
The sweet babe in the hay.

All my broken pieces
Aren’t much to give
But with His love and His touch
He can make anything live!

So I will give Him my heart,
all of me everyday.
Happy Birthday sweet Jesus
Please keep showing us Your way.

Merry Christmas everybody!

Full court press

December 6, 2023December 6, 2023Leave a Comment

A few Sundays ago the term “ full court press” dropped in my spirit. I’m talking out of the blue this basketball term came to mind and I haven’t watched a game in quite a while. I was pretty certain I knew what it meant but asked on social media anyway to see what people said. As different people described the strategy, I realized that it’s kind of like ALL OUT DEFENSE, all the way down the court. I sensed there was a spiritual element to this which was why I began thinking about it. Opening up my “notes app”, I typed “full court press” and left the note blank.

As a few weeks passed by I came across scripture in my daily reading and added them to my note, not knowing how I was to pull this together. Not only has this basketball strategy been on my mind, also a few different events have happened. Last Sunday my Pastor preached a message titled Next Generation. Then yesterday my husband Ron was talking to a friend at the gym. As they walked side by side on treadmills the man told Ron about people in his church. Sounds like many went to church but their everyday lives weren’t lived as Christians. That’s what I call a “Sunday morning Christian”. Then another person shared with me that her adult son says all she talks about is God.

Truth be told, my own son has said the same about us before. If I remember correctly, I explained it by saying when someone fully completely surrenders to Jesus, He is all that matters. Israel & New Breed have a song titled Jesus at the Center. The lyric as so moving. I will post a YouTube music video at the end of this blog so you can listen.

So how does this all tie in together? We need a ”full court press”, all out defense, when it comes to life and dealing with the devil and his deception. The devil sits on the sidelines eating popcorn, while Team Christian are playing their own game, not listening to The Coach Jesus! Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭says, “Dear friends, I’ve dropped everything to write you about this life of salvation that we have in common. I have to write insisting—begging!—that you fight with everything you have in you for this faith entrusted to us as a gift to guard and cherish. What has happened is that some people have infiltrated our ranks (our Scriptures warned us this would happen), who beneath their pious skin are shameless scoundrels. Their design is to replace the sheer grace of our God with sheer license—which means doing away with Jesus Christ, our one and only Master.”(MSG‬‬). Folks, this is serious business. It’s time to pray like never before. Being a Christian is all about having a relationship with Jesus. You can’t have a relationship if you don’t spend time with someone and value time spent together. God wants all of you. Not just the parts you are willing to share with Him. Come on! Generations are at stake. The world needs to see our love for God and our surrender. Our walk needs to match our talk. 1 Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭9‬ ‭ tells us, “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” ‭‭(NLT‬‬)

It’s past time for a “full court press”, all out defense. I see people struggling to live victoriously. In all honesty, we can’t do it alone. We need to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. Today I read the following scripture: “But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love. And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.”Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭20‬-‭23‬ (NLT‬‬)

I know life is tough. It’s easy to focus on struggles and problems. What we need to do is get over ourselves. Thinking of ourselves less, frees us to focus on Jesus and the things that are of Him. 1 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭6 -9‬ says, “So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.” (NLT‬‬)

Let’s rise up and seek the Lord like never before. Walk in unity and love. Pray and praise your way through each day. Build up your brothers and sisters in Christ. Let’s let our light shine for Jesus glory. Full court press, all out defense…. from the moment you wake up until you lay your head down at night. Defense! All throughout your day. Let’s go! The world is watching. Team huddle…1,2,3…all for JESUS!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Love a Challenge

November 27, 2023November 27, 2023Leave a Comment

Truth be told, I do love to challenge myself. Today was no different. I sent a text to my 80 year old mom to let her know I would be available to help her with her Christmas decorating. My husband Ron was stuck at our house since our garage door was being replaced. He said he would join us later in the afternoon.

Mom picked me up and we headed over to her house. She had five containers of Fall things in the garage to put upstairs before starting on Christmas. I really didn’t want to wait all afternoon until Ron came. I told her I could get the containers up and down the stairs, just one step at a time. I’d lift the container a few steps then move up, then do it over and over. Once reaching the top, I’d just slide it in place then went down to do it again. On the first trip up to the attic I was searching for the light and smacked my head on a low ceiling board. Thank God I didn’t break the skin and it was behind the hairline. Whew! That was close. I didn’t want a “shiner” for the Christmas season. That knock “upside my noggin” was just the beginning. We girls could do this. I got all the Fall boxes up, then it was time to bring Christmas down.

Mom came up and picked out all she wanted me to bring down. We were just going to put up the window wreaths but once we got started we kept going. No surprise there. The same process for taking boxes up the stairs, worked just fine to bring them down. I would take a few steps backward down the stairs and slide the boxes along the edge of the stairs. It worked like a charm. Even the two Christmas tree boxes worked that way, turning them long ways, I slide them right down.

Our next task was for her to decide where she wanted her big tree and the pencil tree. We rearranged a few pieces of furniture until she decided where she wanted things. I put the pencil tree together and she decided she wanted that in the foyer so I moved it there. It was a perfect place for that skinny tree. I originally had no intention of putting the big tree together. We wanted to see if it would fit in a corner with the furniture where it was. I told her I’d get the bottom part out and see the tree limb spread so we could get an idea. Putting the tree stand on the floor in that corner, I inserted the bottom portion of the tree, expanding the limbs, it was a perfect fit. The oddest thing though was I couldn’t find a power cord. I laid on the floor under the tree, fluffing limbs and searching for the power cord. I did notice two light connections with a bit of red tape on the ends. I have low vision but I can see red. This was beginning to be like a big puzzle and I was determined to figure it out. I went to the garage and for the next section of tree and the power cord was on that part. I also noticed another cord that had five light connections on the end. Ummm…. Okay there were five connectors and power cord on this piece and two connectors on the bottom piece. I decided to plug the power cord in and connect all the light connectors I could find. The lights started to light up. There was still one more light connection I could not find. I went and got the final top piece and attached it. I found one more light connector there and attached it to the remaining one and BINGO!! It all lit up. I lifted my hands and said “YES”! I was so tickled and pleased that I was able to do it myself. Ron was pretty astonished. Truth be told, there was a whole lot of prayer going on. “Lord helps me do this”. “Lord where are those light connectors”? On and on it went and piece by piece God allowed me the ability to connect the pieces. Christmas lights are my favorite part of decorations. Just having the lights turned on the trees is so soothing.

When “push comes to shove, it’s ok if you’re pushing yourself. Persistence pays off. I started today like I start every day, in prayer. I asked God to help me be a blessing to my husband and also to my mom as I helped her decorate. We had not put the big tree up since my dad passed away in 2021. Dad loved Christmas decorations. I told mom today our “tree fluffier” was in Heaven. He always fluffed the tree limbs. He would be pleased. Now to help her put the decorations on. That’s another task for another day.

Tonight Ron was telling me how I’m always consistent. I think persistent is a better word. I dont give up or give in easily. I keep trying until I get it right. That’s something he admires about me. I see it more as a way of life. Being hearing impaired and having low vision makes every day life a challenge to some degree. God has given me a positive perspective to look at tasks kind of like a game. The game of life. The goal is to get through every day with a sense of humor and giving God glory through whatever is thrown my way. Perspective is key. Ask God everyday to help you see it from His point of view. I promise that makes all the difference in the world.

I was going to put a selfie as my blog picture BUT I was a sweaty mess today. It was a no makeup, no frills kind of day.I will spare you all the chuckle. Be blessed.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

A blooming legacy

November 16, 2023Leave a Comment

On this day 110 years ago my Nanny Kenley was born. We were blessed to have her 100th birthday party in the church she went to for the longest time. She passed away at the beginning of 2015 at the age of 101.

Nanny was such a remarkable woman. She loved her family and her family loved her. We have a family text group with 26 people. Today the cousins were talking about her special day: sharing pictures, memories and a video that warmed our hearts. Some of my fondest memories as a child were with her, at her house with all the cousins.

I’ve been doing some searching on Ancestry, trying to put our family tree together. From what I have gathered it looks like she married my grandfather on March 31, 1935. They had three boys in 11 years. My grandfather died at the age of 43. She never remarried because she said she wouldn’t be able to find someone like my grandfather. It takes a strong woman to raise three boys. Her legacy continues to live on in her remaining son, grand children, great grand children and great great grandchildren. It’s such a beautiful thing when we all remember her so fondly.

Nanny was a strong, independent, fun loving lady, and an excellent cook. No body made biscuits like our Nanny. Family meals, Christmas Eve and Easter at Nanny’s were the best. Good food, fellowship and lots of laughter come to mind when I think of her. She was so active. She loved card games and had a sharp mind. In her later years, we would sit around my parents kitchen table, four generations playing Skipbo. She would never let you win. She played well and it was so much fun.

The last few years of her life she lived at a rehab/long term care facility. We would race her down the hallway in her wheelchair. She would get her hair done and put her powder and lipstick on for meals. She loved to dress nice and play games with the other residents. There was a nice window near her bed and she would keep her plants there. There was also a bird feeder outsider her window where she enjoyed watching the birds. I have her cactus which is blooming right now for her birthday. This year it is full of buds that are beginning to open. It always makes me smile when it blooms. Just like her rich beautiful legacy of a life well lived and full of loving memories, that cactus grows bigger each year with more blooms. Tomorrow I will be going up to our attic to bring down Christmas things. I will hang the stocking she made for me when I was a little girl. She started with my name and apparently ended with someone else’s. It says “Sharrot” on my stocking. I have never had it fixed because it is what she made and it is extra special.

So today we celebrate our Nanny. She’s been gone for almost 8 years, but her legacy lives on. She continues to bless us even though she is gone. That’s a life well lived when your legacy continues to BLOOM.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

A truly beautiful thing

November 8, 2023Leave a Comment

I’m laying here on the bed considering “calling it a day and hitting the hay“ For anyone reading this outside the USA, thats just a figure of speech meaning I’m tired and ready for a good nights sleep. My heart is so full right now though and while the day is fresh on my mind, I figured I would get some blogging done.

It seems like this is going to be one of those really transparent blogs. From time to time those are good to share. I love when people are real and genuine.

Towards the end of summer my Bible study group decided to pick up with our Fall study. The only setback was our leader was a part of a different study and wasn’t able to join us. When the girls asked if I would lead the study, I remember slowly responding, okay. Inwardly I was asking God, “Are you serious Lord? How can I do this? I cant see the book. “. There are four girls in our Bible study group: one hearing and three deaf. I am also legally blind. We all have different reading skills and different ways of learning. I knew the book we were planning to do was a bit difficult for a couple of our members but they wanted to try anyway. Over the summer one had told me she liked it best when someone explained things to her. Kind of like acting it out in story form. I have kept that in mind.

Funny thing, when you tell God He’s got the wrong person for the job, He will prove you wrong. I cant tell you how many times I’ve flat out said “Lord help me. I cant do this”. Every time I buckled down to give it my best try, I end up standing amazed at how God is working.

I can’t see the book unless it is under my video magnifier machine. So I sit in our home office in from of my machine with the book zoomed in so I can see. I have my ipad notes ready to take notes to teach from and use the iPhone to look up scripture on YouVersion app. I like being able to see different transplations,when trying to interpret into sign language. Some translations are easier to interpret than others. Sign language is in a different word order and conceptual. As I prepare my notes I’m trying to see it from their perspective and word the notes in such a way they can really gleam from the study. Since it’s hard for me to even see my ipad notes unless they are zoomed in large, going over the notes again and again so I dont have to look frequently has been the best approach so far and the girls are participating. That is so so beautiful.

Over the last two weeks we have been studying Leah and Rachel who were both married to Jacob. To be honest, I’m not a fan of speculation. God has given us His Holy Bible that was inspired by the Holy Spirit. In my point of view, you don’t add anything to it nor take anything away from it. While we are getting a lot out of the this study, some things the author says doesn’t quite sit right with us. Meaning we aren’t in total agreement, simply because the author speculates about certain aspects of the study. This really creates some awesome discussions among us. Today one of my deaf friends took the open Bible on the table and began searching for a certain scripture to prove her point. My other deaf friend thought she knew what she was looking for and they found it together. Talking about awesome. These two girls just bought their bibles last fall and now they are digging in deeper to see what God has to say about something. That is a truly beautiful thing. There is nothing more beautiful that a person fully surrendered and submissive to the Lord.

I would have never thought I’d ever be teaching a bible study. However I am a willing empty vessel that God is choosing to prove He can use. It is so humbling and exhausting. God can use anything He wants to full fill His divine purpose.

Just about every week I find myself saying, “God help me. I can’t do this. It’s too much.” Then in response, each time I say that, God pours His grace, enabling God to get it done. I am in awe of how God works. He chooses the broken things to bring about His desires.

Moral of this blog, never say never. In everything do it for the glory of God. You’d be surprised at how many people are watching how we handle situations. Make it a priority to shine for the Lord. It’s a dark world in need of light. Be willing to be a light for Jesus.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Shall we dance?

September 21, 2023Leave a Comment

I love a good rain storm and don’t mind walking in the rain. A little rain never hurt anybody. Although I have yet to actually “dance” in the rain.

What about life’s “storms”. With as many “life storms” I’ve gone through in my 54 years, I should be a professional dancer by now but of course I’m not. Each “life storm” has its own “song” and this one has left us trying to catch the “beat”.

It’s kind of ironic because yesterday during Bible study we talked about how God always sees what we are going through. He is sovereign. Absolutely nothing takes Him by surprise. We have to trust God in the waiting. That’s a lot easier said than done. We also talked about how God knows our breaking point. He knows exactly how much we can take. God is not going to give us more than we can handle and He is right there with us.

Another thing we discussed in Bible study was things that seem impossible. The irony of it all, I’m sitting there teaching about El Roi, the God who’s sees and I begin to share what all is going on in life and ask, “God do you see all this?” My friend Tami was sitting across from me and started signing “Abraham, Abraham. Abraham”. You might wonder why. Abraham had to wait a LONG time for his promise. But God made a promise to him and all Gods promises are yes in Christ Jesus.

We aren’t thrilled about this current “season”. Geez it is hurricane season of life. One after another, they come through. May we have this dance? No choice but to get out there an boogie. Although I am changing the music here. Today I told my husband Ron, I wish I could sing because he would like the song playing inside me. He said to sing it anyway. The lyrics I sang we this: “Almighty fortress, you go before us. Nothing can stand against the power of God. You shine in the shadow, you win every bottle. Nothing can stand against the power of God”. ( Battle Belongs, Phil Wickhan) Yes we will dance to that. And the next song will be, Yes I Will (Vertical Worship) “I count on one thing, the same God that never fails , will not fail me now, you won’t fail me now. In the waiting, the same God who’s never late, is working all things out, your working all things out.”

So in this apparent hurricane season of life we will praise God through it all and watch Him work it out. I’m attaching the YouTube song video links below . Take a listen and join us in our “dance”. Perhaps we should create s whole playlist of worship songs. Comment any suggestions.

Battle Belongs
https://youtu.be/johgSkNj3-A?si=equV8L1G6gqTCuMc
Yes I Will
https://youtu.be/ryFS_3eBq6s?si=oBnadmCsrfX9

Www.shannonkhinson.com

‭‭

He sees me!

September 18, 2023Leave a Comment

When you dig deep, revelations come to light. Some people read the Bible on a “surface level”. You know just read a few verses and give yourself a check mark for the day. One check off on my to do list. God wants us to go deeper. He wants to bring things to light as we study. When I read the Bible I invite the Holy Spirit into my quiet time. I invite Him to bring things to light that are hidden. I invite Him to change me for His glory.

My Bible study group has started up again, studying women of the Bible. Lately I have been studying the account of Hagar in Genesis 16. What a fitting place to start. The girls have asked me to teach this go round. It is through Hagar that God reveals Himself as “The God who sees.”

God sure has a sense of humor. If you only knew the inadequacy that I feel in accepting this role. My hearing loss is not an issue since others in the group are deaf and one is hearing. However with my low vision I can not see the book without my video magnifier. Okay Lord you are going to have to really help me! (And that is such an understatement). This is just a little “scratch on the surface”.

As I began the study, I had my iPad out to take notes, iPhone out to use YouVersion for scripture reading and the study book itself. I put it all under the video magnifier except my iPad. (which is always zoomed large.) I figured I could use the notes to teach. As it turned out, I felt led to simplify the notes to also share with the group. In all honesty it is a time consuming process but when one friend said it helped her to understand better, it made it worth all the effort. When somone is deaf at a young age, it affects their language skills. This is going to be a team effort. Where I lack good vision, they see well. Where they may lack fluent English skills, I can help there. My friend Tami said she would be my eyes. So this week we will go over our first chapter on Hagar.

Speaking of Hagar, what an ironic place to start. Let me briefly sum up Genesis 16 if you’re not familiar with the story. God reveals Himself to Abraham and tells him to leave his place of birth for an unknown land God would give him (Canaan). Once Abraham and Sarah reached the land, there was a severe famine so they lived temporarily in Egypt. Abraham asked Sarah to tell the Egyptians she was his sister because she was very beautiful. Using this deception shows Abraham did not fully trust God with their protection in Egypt. Sarah was brought to Pharaoh and he gave Abraham servants and animals. This is how they gotHagar, Sarah’s servant. God sent a plague on pharaoh because of Sarah, so he sent them away. They returned to Canaan and settled there. God had made a promise to Abraham, that he would be the father of many nations yet Abraham and Sarah had no children and were very very old. Sarah came up with a plan to “help God out” by taking Hagar and giving her to Abraham as a wife so she could have children for her. This was not God idea but a shortcut to the goal. God doesn’t want our help. He wants our obedience. Hagar conceived then despises Sarah, who then blames Abraham for the problems with Hagar. Sarah mistreats Hagar and she flees to the wilderness. There the Angel of the Lord finds her and reveals Himself to her. God reveals Himself as El Roi, the God who sees.

That was the shortest version of Genesis 16 I could share. Please refer to the scripture if you aren’t familiar with the story.

One of the key lessons I learned from Hagar is “God sees me”. He sees me when I hurt. He sees me when I fall short. He sees when my attitude isn’t right. He sees the good, the bad and the ugly, yet He loves me.

Recently I came Isaiah‬ ‭48‬:‭10 that says, “Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.”(NKJV) Yeah Lord I surely know. In all honesty I do find myself wondering, “God do you see all this? There are many afflictions in life that not only touch me but also my family. Like Hagar I find myself crying out to God. Yet I know God is sovereign. He is in complete control. I can fully trust Him. He is with us regardless of what we go through. We are never alone. There is scripture in Isaiah that touches me deeply. “But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.” Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭1-2‬ ‭(NKJV)

I find this to be very encouraging. I know I’m not alone. There are many going through hard difficulties right now. God sees us. I don’t know the whys. All I know is to trust Him and live in obedience for His glory. When He opens a door, even if you don’t feel adequate, step forward! He will meet you there. So this week I’m going to be obedient and lesd Bible study. Well honestly, I’m going to be a willing empty vessel for Him to fill and pour into others. God is doing a deep work in my heart. It’s hard and humbling but I’m grateful. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬)

Www.shannonkhinson.com

‭‭