#makeadifference – rootedbythewater.blog

Count your blessings ~

December 4, 2024Leave a Comment

Tonight as I crawled into my warm bed with my electric blanket on, I thought of the homeless people we had been feeding. Some are in shelters but some live in tents. Although it is technically late Fall, the temperatures around here have really dropped. It was probably in the upper forties while we were passing out warm meals to our homeless friends at the bus stop. The wind was blowing as well so it felt extra chilly.

While I was wearing a light jacket, I should have brought a warmer one. I couldn’t bring myself to complain about being cold because these people deal with the temperatures all the time. As some get on and off the bus, all their belongings are in a single suitcase they take with them where ever they go. Imagine that! It truly makes me ponder how very blessed we are. If we have a pillow to lay our head on at night, a bed to sleep in, food to eat, clothes to wear, a roof over our heads, we are blessed beyond measure.

There were a couple of families out helping us serve tonight. One family brought blankets to distribute. God bless these parents for teaching their children to be humble and serve. I know the people really appreciate the kindness shown to them.

As the evening was wrapping up, Ron and I got into our warm car. The heat felt so good. We talked about the crockpot of tomato basil soup waiting for us at home that warmed us up. It’s time for bed. It’s been a busy day of cooking and serving but my heart is happy to be a part of RiceNBeans. It is such a blessing to serve others and be Jesus’ hands and feet in ministering to the physical needs they have. Father God please bless these people who have no home. I pray for your provision, protection, strength, health and warmth for their bodies. You are able to do far more than we ask or can even imagine. You are Jehovia Jirah our provider. You are also El Roi the God who sees. You see us where we are and meet us there. I am so beyond grateful for all that You are, and all that You do! You are worthy of all praise and glory! In Jesus name I pray, amen!

Good night. Tomorrow

is a new day full of opportunities to be a blessing. It’s also going to be a day full of chances to humbly count your blessings. God is good all the time!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

What do you diffuse?

September 10, 2023Leave a Comment

Every single night before I go to bed I put essential oils in my diffuser. The scents of rosemary, frankincense, peppermint and lavender are so soothing. We have tried several brands. My husband has even ordered some off Amazon. I’m a bit wary of using just any brand. It needs to be 100% pure if we’re going to be breathing it all night. Revive brand is my favorite because it’s pure and affordable.

Years ago I ordered a beautiful diffuser. It had a ceramic cover with a beautiful design of little holes. When you turn the diffuser on you can change the color of light and the light shined through the little holes as the sweet smelling oils diffused from the top. Once while changing the water, I removed the ceramic covering. It rolled off the bed, hit the side table and broke into pieces. I could replace the ceramic cover but it’s kind of pricey and the diffuser otherwise works fine. It just no longer has the beautiful cover.

There is a deeper lesson here. That is so symbolic of people. The outside appearance can be so attractive but it’s whats found in the heart that makes all the difference. You know the saying, “Pretty is, as pretty does”.

Just like the fragrant essential oils that I put in the bottom of my diffuser: what I put in my heart is what comes out. If it’s negative criticism, that’s what will come out through speech and action. If I’m filling my heart with the things of the world then my life will reflect the next thing I want to buy or do. When I fill my heart with God’s Word, prayer and worship, I will diffuse grace, love, kindness, patience, mercy, etc.

Here’s a relevant question. What are you diffusing? And while we’re on the tough stuff, a good cleansing is needed periodically. The essential oils can buildup in the diffuser and it needs to be wiped down. I take a q-tip to clean out the small opening at the top. The oils build up over time and it’s hard to get out of the very small hole. Our hearts and minds need a good cleansing too.

It’s hard to be “clean” if you have a daily intake of the worlds crud. God calls us to be set apart. Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
‭‭‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬). Here is another good one:“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬). I’m going to wrap this up with one more gem.
“For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.”2 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬)

I don’t know about you, but I’m challenged to live life diffusing what will bring glory to the Lord. 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. Be blessed!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Your influence

August 20, 20232 Comments

Have you ever stopped to think about the influence you have on others, be it good or bad? Think about it. We all Impact someone. Our decisions, choices, words, actions, attitudes, perspective etc have the ability to impact others around us. Whether we like it or not, we do influence not only family, friends, coworkers, neighbors but even the people you pass in the store.

You might be thinking; I’m too young , too old, too small, disabled, sick, etc. There are so many excuses we can come up with to explain why we can’t make a difference. I totally understand this. I recently came across an African proverb that really made me think. If you think you’re too small to make a difference, you haven’t spent the night with a mosquito. That’s kind of funny but thought provoking and true. Something so small and insignificant can leave a real mark.

Let me give you an example. Years ago when I was doing some volunteer work in college, a little girl battling leukemia gave me the biggest lesson on empathy. We were drawing pictures and her person had no hair. I drew hair on my person. The little girl pointed out that she didn’t have hair anymore because of her chemotherapy. That one small experience has impacted me for life. I seriously try to think about how things influence those around me. I want the best for everyone. Sensitivity is not a flaw. It shows you’ve been wounded by life and desire to help others avoid it.

The word influencer has become a popular thing on social media. Our son is friends with several social media influencers that have millions of followers. I’ve seen lots of what they post: Some good, some not so much. I really don’t get it. I wonder often if they realize the impact they have on the younger generation. You would think with tons of followers seeing what they post, they would think twice before sharing. I guess that’s maturity speaking. I can hear them now saying, “It’s all in good fun.” I was young once and thank God there was no social media back then. Ecclesiastes‬ ‭10‬:‭12 gives fair warning, “The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, But the lips of a fool shall swallow him up;” (NKJV)

When I was growing up we used to sing a song called “Pass it on” at camp. I remember the nights we would have a big bonfire and circle around singing: It only takes a spark to get a fire going, and soon all those around can warm up in its glowing. That’s how it is with God’s love, once you’ve experienced it. You want to spread to everyone, you want to pass it on….

What are we passing on? What are you influencing? Let’s make it good. Let’s keep it positive. I’ve been told by a younger person that I’m all sunshine & rainbows and a bit over the top. Gotta love it. At least it’s positive. Seriously! I don’t care.et’s be purposeful and mindful of our influence. People are watching whether we realize it or not. Let’s make a difference.

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. Be blessed!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

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