parenthood – rootedbythewater.blog

Picture in my pillow

August 29, 2023Leave a Comment

Yesterday while changing the sheets I felt the rectangular shape inside the lining of my pillow. Several years ago I put a picture inside the lining of my pillow. (I honestly don’t remember exactly when I did it.) Yesterday when I was changing the sheets I decided to open the pillow liner and see which picture it was. Lo and behold, it was was our son Joshuas “Identi-Kid” 2009 id from elementary school. No, it hasn’t been in my pillow liner for that long. I guess I picked that one because as an id, it’s thicker and would last longer than a normal picture.

You might be wondering why in the world I did that and it’s still in there. Hear me out! I strongly believe in prayer! You could even label me a“radical prayer warrior”. You wouldn’t be far from the truth. Truth be told, when I wake up at night and feel that picture, I pray for our son.

Just yesterday I saw an Instagram video story of him and a friend in Florida in the Atlantic Ocean. He’s helping a friend move back to Charlotte. You know Hurricane Idalia is brewing off the gulf coast of Florida. I showed my husband Ron the video and asked if it was Joshua and his friend and he said it was. I texted him and said, “I saw that video. Isn’t the surf rough? Looks very rough!” I was relieved when he responded, “Yes it was rough but it was fun.” I texted back, “Y’all are crazy! Be safe!” He replied, “You know it!”

He is ALL boy! I could tell you some nerve wracking stories. Some good and some I want to forget. Always seeking one adventure or another. As a mom of course I worry. Over the last twenty five years, I’ve learned that worrying does nothing but prayer changes things. He told me this summer that I’m a little over the top. I bet deep down in that tough guy but sweet heart of his, he’s glad he’s got a praying momma.

Im going to keep that picture in my pillow. When I feel it at night, I will continue to lift up a prayer for our son. As parents we can’t always be there physically but our Abba Father sure can. I found the perfect little sign a while back. It says “Give it to God and go to sleep”. It’s the perfect reminder for me.

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

Kayaking adventure with Joshua

July 19, 2023Leave a Comment

It’s a rare week when I publish three blogs but this is one of those. This is so worth sharing. I have always cherished quality time spent with our son Joshua. At every age we have found some mom / son activities to do together. From racing big wheels and tricycles, trampoline games, swimming in the ocean, riding rides at Carowinds, climbing rock walls, four wheeling, jet skiing, zip lining and now kayaking. We’ve found something at every age to enjoy together. Many times my husband Ron has joined us but sometimes it’s just me and Joshua. Now that he’s 25, it doesn’t happen very often. Quality time spent with your kids is one of the best investments you will ever make.

Recently I asked him to check his schedule to see when we could plan a kayaking day at the lake. Yesterday was the day and I was so excited. We packed up the trailer with all we would need: kayaks, paddles, snacks, water and life jackets. Ron dropped us off at Nivens Landing around 3:00 and we said we would be a few hours. Joshua would call when we were back.

It was a beautiful but hot day with a slight wind. The water was a little more choppy than when Ron and I went last week. I told Joshua I would go anywhere on the lake he wanted to go. He remembered an island we used to stop at when we had our jet ski years ago and wanted to try to find it. I agreed to trying to find the island. We just needed to take water breaks to stay hydrated. We would paddle a good distance, then stop for water., rest, talk then take off again. He signed, “You can’t hear me can you?” I told him I was wearing my old cochlear implant processor and could still hear him. At 4:20 we were still trying to find the island. I suggested continuing until 5. If we didn’t find it by then we would turn around and head back. At exactly 5 we reached the island. I was so glad to see that little beach. Two pontoon boats had also stopped. Josh explored the island while I rested. We talked and swam a bit then called Ron to tell him where we were. He was shocked. We had gone a long way and now we had to paddle back. We retracted the way we had come but went long ways over more open water to attempt shortening the return trip. Josh would ask, “Are we where you and dad stopped before?” I called out, “No that’s way down there”. I said , “Lord I could use a little breeze from behind. You know like a nice push.” Josh would stop and ask how I was doing. I was ok just getting tired. When we were about thirty minutes from where we got in, Josh called Ron to meet up with us. I was so thankful to see Nivens Landing. Josh said now I knew what to expect when going kayaking with him. We will definitely go again. Best time spent with my favorite young man. We aimed for a goal, the island and made it there and back. Laughed, talked and just enjoyed the time spent together. So thankful! Until our next adventure.

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. Speaking engagements are always welcome. It God opens a door, He will give me what’s needed to walk through it. 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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Finding Life

May 14, 20222 Comments

Today I went out on our front porch to change some old artificial greenery. I had bought a fuller replacement that looks more real. As I reached for the thin old greenery something began flapping and I backed away. The flapping of life in something old made me smile. With low eye sight, I figured it was a bird but couldn’t tell. Grabbing my iPad from inside I crept as quietly as I could and took a picture. Above is an enlarged picture of what I found. While I don’t know for certain, Im assuming that’s a momma bird sheltering her young. New life is beautiful. As I ponder this truth I see faith in motion. Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we don’t see. I don’t see the eggs under this momma bird or possibly hatched baby birds but I truly believe they are there.

Yesterday I bought a new shirt that says “Momma Bear”. I love it and will wear it with joy. There is nothing like the love and protectiveness of a mother for her child, no matter how old they are. Our son Joshua arrived home last week after being away for half a year. It is the greatest joy to have him here again. The long talks and time together are priceless.

This Wednesday May 18 at 10:45 he has his annual appointment with his eye specialist. Every year since 2009 my heart becomes a bit anxious as this appointment approaches. I have to confess this to the Lord daily and He strengthens me. The doctor told us I could not pass along my vision problems since it was said mine came from a birth defect to my optic nerves. As I pray fervently for our son I am asking for God to create new life and bring restoration and renewed health to Joshua’s optic nerves. I believe that behind those beautiful green eyes, new life is forming and restoration is taking place. When he was a little guy he used to sing, “My God is great, so awesome and so mighty. There’s nothing that my God can not do.” From the mouth of babes!

Recently I have been reading different books with testimonies of how God heals. In the Bible itself, Jesus never turned a single person away who sought healing. Jesus healed them all. Why God has not done it yet, I do not know. But I do know that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) Nothing is impossible with God! (Mark 10:27) As Christians we must take God at His Word and stop believing the lies of the enemy. You might think Im a bit radical but that’s okay. I choose to believe God. Jesus took a horrible beating at the whipping post over 2,000 years ago. Isaiah 53:5 says “But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.”

Jesus also teaches us that greater works will we do because He goes to the Father. Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins. He took our place! He was buried and raised to life on the third day. He is alive! He ascended to Heaven and sits at the right hand of The Father interceding for us. The Bible tells us in John 14:12, “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.”
‭ I am believing my Jesus! He makes all things new! ‬ Will you join me in faith declaring restoration in our sons eyesight? The Doctor will see signs of new healthy life at his appointment on Wed essay. Signs of restoration! May a huge wave of faith and prayer arise over the world as I sent this blog post out far and wide. We give all glory to Jesus! Thank you Lord for renewal, flourishing nerve health and bringing everything in line to what it needs to be for optimal health. Amen!

If you’d like to read more of my story please check out my autobiography “Rooted by the Water”. It’s a true story of how God has enabled me to overcome great difficulties, not by my own strength but through His strength made perfect in my weaknesses. You can find it on Amazon and many other online retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Target and Walmart.
Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

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This Child of Mine

May 2, 20224 Comments

As I type this right now, our son Joshua and his buddy Coleman are road tripping across the country, in tents at national parks from Arizona to South Carolina. He told me the names of the parks they planned to camp at. I connected those destinations on a map and sent it to him asking if that was the tentative route. I’m sure he was rolling those green eyes as he texted back, “Pretty much”. Right before they left they added the Sedona Desert as their first camping spot. I thought what in the world, tent camping in The Sedona Desert at a national park! I texted him and said, “Don’t bring any scorpions home!”

Once a mom, always a mom. Your child is also always you baby no matter how old or big he gets. He has grown into one courageous, kind hearted and stunning person.

As he told me of their road trip plans, I felt my anxiety start to rise. Joshua texted me telling me not to sweat it and they would be fine. I told him he would be the subject of my next book. He said, “No but Coleman wants to be in the next one.” I have plenty of material. All joking aside, it can be nerve racking having an adventurous son. Almost two years ago, Joshua and a group of friends, including three of Coleman’s siblings, hiked a big waterfall. They took theirs shoes off at the bottom and hiked their way up the falls through the water. Once it became too steep they stopped except for two brothers who kept going. One of them slipped way up on a rock, falling into the falls. He never made it home alive. I remember that night like it was yesterday. When the group didn’t arrive back when they said they would, we began making calls. Joshua did come home wearing one of the rescue teams t-shirt. He threw it away not wanting to remember.

God knows our days before we are born. He knows when we will breathe our last breath. We have to trust God with the safety of our children, knowing everything is in His hands. God has seen Joshua through many trials and adventures in life. It’s my prayer that he sees God’s hand guiding him forth. We cover him in prayer daily and his friends as well. I pray on this road trip they will experience God like never before in the majesty of His creation. In the meantime I will keep praying as he is on and off the grid of connection by cell phone. I’m going to be one happy momma when he walks through the door in a few days. Keep them in your prayers.

One chapter in my autobiography is about Joshua. Before publishing my book, “ Rooted by the Water” I asked his permission to include the chapter. I watched his face as he read, pausing, thinking and reading again. He finally said, “I’m glad you’re doing this.” To read more of my story, “Rooted by the Water” you can find it on Amazon and other online retailers. It’s in ebook format and hard and soft cover as well.
Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Scattered

October 21, 2021Leave a Comment

Bear with me! I’m about to take a whole different direction here…. This morning as I continued my study on Job, I asked the Holy Spirit to guide me through chapter 14 and reveal things I needed to get out of this. As I read and compared the AmericanStandard Version and New Living Translation, I was trying hard to focus. In all honestly my mind was also going in multiple directions. The human mind is a very interesting thing especially if you are deep and constantly thinking. I know I will have to spend more time on this chapter because the main thing standing out to me right now is….our days are few and full of troubles 😂 I know it’s not funny but I’m chuckling just a bit as I think how true that is.

As I prayed I was honest with the Lord about my thoughts being so scattered this morning, although He already knew that. Psalms‬ ‭139:2‬ ‭NLT‬‬, “You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.” I’ve just got to stop right there. It’s mind blowing how our Abba Father knows us so well…. I mean everything about us, He fully knows. As I prayed and thanked Him for his sovereignty, power and unfathomable wisdom, I just sat in Awe!

One of the things my mind was distracted by this morning was our son Joshua’s upcoming trip to Phoenix, Arizona for who knows how long. He and a friend are going out there for training for a new business opportunity. If you know our story and how close we are you would know my emotions and thoughts are all over the place concerning this. Joshua and his friend are excited and we are excited for them as they go try something completely different.

As a “Momma Bear” I’ve thought of ways to help him get ready for his trip. I have no doubt his dad has too. I think of every case scenario and want him prepared. As I thought about all this, the Holy Spirit brought Matthew 7:11 to mind. “So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.”

I know we can REST in our Heavenly Fathers care, knowing that He has everything covered. He loves Joshua even more than we do and is more that capable of taking complete care of him. Agree with us in prayer that God will go before him and be his rear guard. Pray for God’s favor on this new adventure. Pray for safety and healing. Yes Healing! I will never stop asking God for complete healing . Also pray for a group of Christians to fellowship and learn with.

I better bring these scattered thoughts captive. Be still my heart… God has all of this covered. Job 14, I will be back for you.
If you’re interested in our story, you can find it in my autobiography, “Rooted by the Water” by Shannon Kenley Hinson. Sold on Amazon, and other online retailers: Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, Target and Walmart.

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com ‭‭‬‬