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The Whirlwind

December 18, 2021Leave a Comment

“Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind”
‭‭Job‬ ‭38:1‬

Several days ago I came across this verse in Job and I was intrigued. I looked up other translations of the same verse and whirlwind is used often, also storm. There has to be some deep lessons in that one verse.

Whirlwind? Storm? While Jobs storm was of a greater magnitude than I can imagine: I can relate to one thing after another happening. Life happens and we can’t do anything to stop all the things coming at us. Sometimes we just want to throw our hands up and say “I’ve had enough of this”.

Living with hearing and visual issues can be that way. It’s no one’s fault that they can’t understand. It’s no one’s fault the insensitivity that many show. It’s just my circumstances to deal with.

I recently was able to upgrade my Advanced Bionics cochlear implant processor to the newest technology available, Marvel. After months of having to use a broken processor, that I didn’t realize was broke, I finally have one with working microphones and high technology. Now if my brain will just adapt. I’ve been doing lots of listening rehabilitation activities. There are Apps for this. I listen as a word is spoken and I have a selection of four to choose from. Often times the words are very similar with the difference being one letter. I must listen hard and carefully. I’m doing pretty well with these activities…..one word at a time. But conversation is a nonstop jumble of constant words coming at me at all sorts of glorious speeds.😳🤦🏽‍♀️ I have noticed that I’m picking up on some things I missed before but it’s not consistent. It’s a whirlwind! A storm of jumbled up words. Thank God for giving me a love for a challenge otherwise I’d throw that towel in.

We must remember God speaks in the whirlwind. He has us! He’s right there “wiping the sweat from our face”, He’s saying, “ Don’t throw in that towel! Wipe your face. It’s almost over. I’ve got you! Lean on me! Surrender to me and let me give you a Heavenly perspective of your circumstances.”

This Christmas season whatever your “whirlwind” is let’s listen closely to what God is saying to us. Take the time to be thoughtful of others situations and spread the joy of our Savior’s birth. Merry Christmas!

To read more about my life journey check out my autobiography “Rooted by the Water” available on Amazon and other online retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Target, Walmart and Park Road Books.

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Thankful for new opportunities.

November 6, 2021Leave a Comment

After releasing my autobiography “Rooted by the Water“ this past May, it is finally IN a bookstore. So thankful that Park Road Books has a program to sell local authors. Check out this awesome little bookstore at 4139 Park Road, Charlotte NC 28209 http://www.parkroadbooks.com

Thankful for this new opportunity. I’m hoping to get my book in other stores as well. Baby steps but moving forward. Self promotion is a slow process. You can still find “Rooted by the Water” on the online bookstore of Westbowpress.com and other online retailers such as: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, Target and Walmart.

Fun little piece of my history; I grew up going to Park Road Shopping Center where Park Road Books is located. Being there today brought back many great memories of going with my Nanny Kenley, my mom, and aunt Sylvia Thankful for my roots and old stomping ground. Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Be Inspired! Never give up! God is faithful always!

Be thankful for the journey

October 18, 2021Leave a Comment

As I sit outside on this beautiful October day, I find myself thinking deeply. I’m beyond grateful for the Holy Spirit prompting me to be mindful and thankful.

The Bible tells us to be anxious about nothing. Truth be told I need help on that one. Oh yes, I pray often but do I offer those prayers with thanksgiving? Ummm… not really. Do I offer those prayers with an anxious heart? Yes! In my humanity I do.

As I prayed this morning I redirected my thoughts and prayers. I rather said, “ Thank you Lord for the opportunity to pray about this situation. Thank you that I know you will answer according to your perfect will”.

Yesterday at church Pastor Loran Livingston reminded us of Psalms 27:13 “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” NIV. Lord help me to wait patiently and expectantly for you!

As I woke this morning one of the songs from worship yesterday was playing in my heart. The chorus has been playing in my heart and mind all day.

“ There’s no doubt about it I’m on my way home
I’m not yet where I’m going
But I’m a long way from where I was, I hear a choir of angels Cheering me on. I’m not yet where I’m going
But I’m a long way from where I was”

As I continue with this day my focus has moved to a different line of the song… “I hear a choir of Angels cheering me on….” And I’m thankful. So thankful to know God is working and faithful always! So thankful that “this too shall pass”. Whatever it is that I’m dealing with… the various things that cause me to be anxious…I will choose to set my eyes on Jesus, knowing that He leads me forward in His truth and with His protection. I will choose thankfulness as I journey on.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com
You can find my autobiography “Rooted by the Water” on Amazon and other online retailers: Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, Target and Walmart

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An EXTRA BIG dose of GRACE

September 29, 20211 Comment

It’s been over a week since I’ve sent out a blog post. Just like everyone else, I’ve been busy navigating daily life. But unlike most people, I navigate the daily ups and downs with hearing and visual issues.

Yesterday I was helping my Mom look for a dress to wear to my nieces wedding. We were in a NC mall where masks are required. So that means a lovely masks with already a device on each ear ( Advanced Bionics Naida cochlear implant processor on right ear, Cross link device on the other. ) I’m always checking to make sure my devices are secure because the mask has caused them to shift before. It’s an anxious feeling when one of the devices worth thousands of dollars falls off in public and I have to find them with low vision. Masked people have muffled voices + the Nadia processor is in need of programming so my hearing is slightly off = overwhelming annoyance…. BUT GOD!

I’m so beyond thankful for the extra big dose of Grace and mercy God pours on me everyday. He truly enables me to have Joy and radiate kindness. With the extra dose of grace He gives I’m able to extend that Grace to others.

Pictured above is a shirt I have. When I ordered it last year I thought it was hilarious. Truth be told, when I wore it the other day, it also reflected my mood. I prayed, “Lord help me show grace.”

Life is not about me or you but about sharing the Love of Jesus with others. I know when I’m overwhelmed playing worship music lifts my heart. I recently updated the software on my iPad so when I tried to play a worship song recently, a rock and roll song came on. 😳 I’ve never heard it before and thought “what in the world” … just forget it.🤦🏻‍♀️ You see with my low vision issues relearning each update takes time and all I wanted to do was play my worship music. Instead a friend picked me up and we talked. It’s helpful to get attention off the frustration at hand. Later when I took time to figure out how to play my music I can’t tell you the relief that washed over me as I listened to “Yes I Will” (Vertical Worship) Right there in my kitchen with my husband, I raised my hands in worship to Jesus and sang along…. “ Yes I will lift you high in the lowest valley, yes I will bless your name. Yes I will sing for joy when my heart is heavy… all my days, yes I will… give you praise”. I might have the chorus slightly off but it’s what’s in my heart

So thankful for the Extra BIG doses of grace the Lord pours out on me. Everyday is a new day with fresh mercies.

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.”‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3:22‬ ‭NIV‬‬

To read more of my story, check out my autobiography “Rooted by the Water” available in hard cover, softcover and e book formats on Amazon, and other online outlets such as Barnes & Noble, Westbow Press.com, Books a Million, Target and Walmart.

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Unity

September 1, 2021Leave a Comment

Today I have been thinking about the word Unity and what it means. I decided to grab my Webster’s New Thesaurus and this is what I found. (I will just post a picture of the entry. The machine I use to read is a Optelec video magnifier for people with low vision )

I also went to Bible Gateway and typed Unity into the search bar. Several verses came up including these:
Ephesians 4: 1-3 NIV
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the Unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Psalms 133:1 NIV
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.

I don’t know about you, but I see a lot of division these days. Division is a tactic of the enemy to divide us so we won’t be affective as a whole. There is discord on all kinds of current HOT topics. It troubles my heart to see opposition. There is so much information, misinformation…. opinions on anything and everything.

So what can we do? We can bear with each other in love and be patient when people don’t see “Eye to eye”. We can pray for wisdom and keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Hold the hostility with debates. I pray our Abba Father sees us all and says “ Look at my children. So diverse and unique ….sharing peaceably their opinions with one another in humility and love.” Lets us strive to be United for the Lord.

Together we stand, divided we fall.

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Finding Gems in the Word

August 25, 2021Leave a Comment

During my quiet time this morning I read 2 Corinthians 4. Found some “gems” and thought I would share.

“We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.”‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:8, 18‬ ‭NLT‬‬


“For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.”‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Yesterday a friend texted me that she was experiencing a sense of heaviness. I shared with her that I too felt that way. There is so much going on in the world and so much misinformation. I reminded her that we are surrounded by the Lord. He will get us through.

Today is a new day. Let’s choose to Fix our eyes on Jesus. He is Victorious! This is not our home, we are just passing through.

Today Shine for Jesus. The world is in desperate need of His Glorious Light and Salvation.

Have a blessed day.
Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Be still and Know

August 22, 2021Leave a Comment

Today was our last day on the beach and it was beautiful before the storm came in. As I sat at the waters edge I was drawn in by the beauty of it all. Nature declares the glory of God. As I sat there a song began to play in my mind. I think the lyrics go something like this; “When the oceans rise and thunders roar, I will soar with with you above the storm. Father you are King over the flood. I will be still and know that you are God. Find rest my soul, in Christ alone, cover me in quietness and trust. When the oceans rise and thunders roar I will soar with you above the storm. Father you are King over the flood. I will be still and know that you are God,”. As this played over and over in my heart, I felt such joy and rest knowing that my Abba Father is in control. There is nothing outside His reach. He sees and knows it all! I can’t even wrap my mind around that truth.

As I sat there in my beach chair, just drawn in , I was digging in the sand and found so many broken shells. It crossed my mind that at one time the shells were beautifully “whole”. Not broken. As I reflected on that I thought of the irony, how people are like these broken shells. With the storms of life, pressures of circumstances, we often find ourselves broken. It warms my heart to know God can fix anything. Nothing is too difficult for Him. When I see shattered, He sees whole. when I see broken, He sees beautiful. I’m so thankful for these reminders.

Tonight we were given the perfect ending to our girlfriends week away. There was a full moon and it radiantly reflected off the ocean water. It was glorious! I’m thankful for this week away with friends. ( two weren’t able to come and we truly missed them). God blessed us with a wonderful, refreshing, relaxing week. We are heading home tomorrow with hearts full and more fun memories made. God is so good and faithful…always. Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Amazing Fun

August 20, 2021Leave a Comment

Yesterday I finally went kayaking while down at Cherry Grove. I did this last year with friends on a two seater kayak. This year I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. I was so thrilled that I could indeed do it solo. The weather was perfect with gorgeous sunshine and blue skies reflecting off the water. It was so peaceful and relaxing… the first half 😁
At half way point we got lost in a maze of tall sea grass. We also came up on some shallow places where we had to turn around. Truth be told the maze of sea grass was a bit intimidating. I’d say a silent prayer, “Lord help us find our way out”. I would laugh and sign to my friend we were going the wrong way but she got us out.
Once we were out of the sea grass, we were hit head on with incoming high tide. Oh my goodness. It was like paddling hard but making no progress 😳🤦🏻‍♀️ We made little goals: let’s make it to the dock over there then rest, then have another goal. I lost sight of my friend a couple of times so I’d turn around and find her. I wore my old Harmony cochlear implant processor so I could hear her if she called since I couldn’t see her sign to me. I can’t see far 😂At one point I thought, where in the world did she go. She had gotten tired and decided to take a short cut through some sea grass and another friend pulled her out onto the road in front of the house 🤣 I couldn’t see what she was signing but I knew they could see me so I signed “ I’m going around on the water to the dock”. God gave me another burst of strength to get through that last bit of incoming high tide before reaching the canal behind the house. I was thankful to get out of that kayak. It was a BLAST but I had used up all my energy and was so tired.
Thank you Lord for a great learning experience. I will have to think on this one. I know there are many hidden lessons to learn from. I did prove to myself that I can indeed do it! But with God’s help of course and a buddy system. Hopefully we can find a place to rent two more so our whole group can go together.
If you’ve never kayaked the coastal waters of SC I highly recommend it. It’s so beautiful. Gods creation is stunning.
Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Our adventure awaits

August 15, 2021Leave a Comment

I woke up before the birds this morning. Way before my alarm clock was set to go off, I woke up wide awake. I’m excited! Today me and four girlfriends are beach bound for one week. So thankful for the sweet family who opened their beach house for us.

The coastal lands and beach are so beautifully powerful yet peaceful. I “think” one friend is bringing two kayaks and there are already two down at the house. Weather permitting we will spend some time on the inter coastal waterway. Last year we rented a two seater but this year I really want to try “solo”. Getting in and out of the kayak and onto the water will be the tricky part for me. (My balance isn’t great) Once on the water I should be “good to go”, Lets hope none of the girls video me getting in and out. Last years episode was hilarious.

The weather doesn’t look too promising but God willing we will have periods of clear weather to enjoy time on the beach, on the water and to play putt put.. ( Yes I can play. I just have to find the hole before I start so I know where to hit the ball.)

Thank you Lord for a refreshing time that lies ahead of us this week. And Lord whether it’s a vacation, work or school, we ask that you go before us and be our rear guard. Surround us with a shield and fill us to overflowing so we can pour into everyone we see this week. Show us Your glory Lord, in all You perfect ways. We praise and honor You alone. In Jesus name Amen!

Lets go!!!
www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

August 12, 2021Leave a Comment