#pray – Page 7 – rootedbythewater.blog

Lifting you up❣️

May 13, 20233 Comments

Over the past two weeks I’ve come across scripture and have saved verses to use for this blog. I knew in my heart I would be writing on this topic soon. Today is the day.

Depression and anxiety are a heavy weight. There is absolutely no shame in reaching out for help. I’ve heard this is mental health awareness month. If I can encourage someone to keep pushing forward then hear me out.

I personally deal with depression and anxiety at times. It can grip you so suddenly and you feel a weight of despair. Mine is more or less due to the limitations I face and the sheer frustration to do all I “think” I need to ne doing. The feelings of inadequacy can pull me down. Sometimes thoughts will battle in my mind. “You aren’t good enough! You can’t do all they can do. It’s getting harder so why don’t you just admit it?” These demeaning thoughts are countered by; ”Be quiet in the name of Jesus! Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. I might not be able to but God works in my weaknesses! I can’t but let me tell you something, He sure can!” You know the drill? Sometimes these thoughts battle in my mind. How do I counteract against it? I speak God’s Word over myself. I pray and sing praises to Jesus who is Victorious over it all.

When you feel these negative emotions, shutting yourself off from people is the easiest thing in the world but I don’t recommend that. Surround yourself with support. If you don’t have a strong support system ask God for one. Be there for others and watch as they in turn are there for you. Drop your pride. No one has it all together! We all need each other.

God has given me a gift of encouragement, prayer and discernment. I can pick up when someone is struggling. Last night I was reading some social media posts and I saw an old college friend post “I give up”. This persons postings usually range from humor to despair, back and forth. I noticed people commented encouragement but I also noticed his lack of response. God touch this person and give them a reason to keep pressing on. This is not the first person I’ve noticed. There have been many over the years. If I sensed they were suicidal, I prayed and encouraged. One of these people I gathered recourses for so they could get help on their limited budget. Some of those I’ve encouraged are now thriving. Praise God. God surrounded them with strength and encouragement and now they are encouraging others. This is an example of 1Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬‬:‭11‬,“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” (‭‭‭‭NKJV‬‬)

If you are a Christian you must realize that God empowers you with His Holy Spirit to fulfill your purpose for His glory! He also strengthens us and anoints us against the attacks we face. Check out Ephesians 6:11, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (NKJV‬‬). For more on the Armor of God check out verses 10-20. These verses are powerful.

God wants us to bring all out concerns to Him. There is nothing too little or big to bring to Him. “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving“ Colossians‬ ‭4‬‬:‭2‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬) Proverbs 12:25 says, “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.” (‭NKJV‬‬)

Gods Word is FULL of life giving encouragement. Use it everyday. Pray! Speak life over yourself! Do NOT give up! God has you! Keep pushing forward and keep trusting Him. You’re going to make it!!

A while back I did a short video clip of me signing”In Jesus Name”. I will try posting the video clip link here. Praying for all that read this. God has us!

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0c33-vZfRxx-sH0ZySGUWg5qw

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I write when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. 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

If you only knew😳

May 6, 20232 Comments

I’m debating whether to even put this in writing. I occasionally give a true, honest, transparent look at life as a visually and hearing impaired person. Today was one of those days when inwardly I’m like..
Oh great! 🤦🏽‍♀️ Yet outwardly I am hopefully all smiles! Did I pull it off? I think I did but who knows.

Before I even went out the door I was praying and thanking God that His joy is my strength. As I prayed I said Lord, you fill my heart with joy and peace despite the circumstances. Help me! How the day would unfold if I did not start off in Gods word, prayer snd praise , I don’t want to ever find out. It’s tough. Mental and spiritual preparation is so helpful especially when I know I’m going to be feeling like a “fish on dry ground”

Put me in a group of any size and it’s challenging. Mom picked me up to take me to my nieces baby shower. I’m 54 and my 80 year old Mom is driving me around. It’s a fact of life I don’t think I will ever be used to. We arrived at the beautiful shower honoring my niece and many showed up to bless her. At most showers of any type there are fun activities. One was to write a note for the baby that he would see on his 18th birthday. Trouble was the pieces of paper wete small with tiny lines to write on. I can’t see well enough to read my handwriting any more, not to mention writing on lines. Oh Lord help me! What to do? I closed my worse eye and tried to legibly write on the lines. I asked Mom if she could read it, thankfully she could. One down a couple more to go. Next was four jars to guess how many items were in each. I told Mom to just write some numbers. We went out on the deck and there was another activity I did not even see until I was close up. Everyone worked on making baby’s first ABC book. I used to love to color really detailed sketches but I can’t see well enough to do that anymore. Oh the joys of having low vision… NOT! (But I did one anyway. Although I did not sign my name on it. If my niece reads my blog… the one that looks like a kid did it was done by yours truly…. Aunt Shannon 😂 ) That’s just the activities, now let’s talk about the food. I could not find the forks on the table. They were right in front of me but transparent, so I did not see them. Okay…. next! I could see the deviled eggs, crackers, chips and fruit. The kabobs were another story. It took me a second to figure out how to pick it up. Lord have mercy! If people only knew the challenges it would blow your mind. This is just the visual part, not to mention the hearing part. My hearing loss is noticeable but my visual issue is not. What am I to do? Stay home? No! I live life and just hope to play it off! It’s not about me. It’s about blessing those around me. Is it uncomfortable? You bet! Is it cringe worthy? Absolutely! Did anyone notice? Hopefully not except Mpm of course. Even she doesn’t realize how bad my vision is.

Some things in life I don’t think I will ever understand on this side of eternity. It takes a lot of grit on the inside and smiles on the outside. It takes a lot of prayers and small pep talks to get through it. Only God understands. It’s hard. I can’t give in. I must get out and live life even though the normal things are so frustrating. I want to particulate and bless those around me.

If you saw me typing up this blog you would get a good laugh. Part of it I type and part of it I speak. Typos are everywhere because touch screens are so tricky. I use my iPad for blogging. However artificial intelligence can’t understand me half the time and I speak clearly! I say one thing and it types another. I say “ You can’t hear! And it says, “ I’m sorry you feel that way!” I’m over it!

Whether I will publish this or delete it is going through my head. On one hand, it’s helpful to see the difficulties people have to face, difficulties that are for the most part invisible. On the other hand, the truth can be terribly embarrassing. Peoples lives are so different. This is a reminder to be kind, considerate, and helpful. Today is almost over and tomorrow I will step into whatever God has for me. I won’t do it alone. He is with me every step of the way. Treat people the way you want them to treat you. Until next time…

Www.shannonkhinson.com

A Truth Bomb

February 25, 2023Leave a Comment

Often times inspiration for a blog comes in the morning. However, I don’t always have time to sit down and get it typed up. Today was one of those days.

Last night and this morning were kind of odd because some old old songs popped in my head and kept playing. The one that came last night, I wasn’t even sure about the lyrics so I typed in what I remembered and Dionne Warwick’s song I’ll never love this way again popped up. It’s ok to laugh. It was quite odd. I didn’t even remember all the words but “ I’ll keep holding on, I’ll keep holding on…” played over and over in my mind. What in the world set that off? Again this morning another old song played in my mind and it’s been playing all day. At the risk of exposing my age, it was the Carpenters song You. I looked this one up on YouTube when I finally got home today and the music is so different than how I remember but the words are so beautiful.

Have you ever had a secular song stick to you but it’s like a song of worship to the Lord? “You” does that to me. I was getting ready for book club meeting and I nearly cried ! Ponder these beautiful words – I woke up to this song. You are the one that makes me happy when everything else turns to gray. Yours is the voice that wakes me morning and sends me out into the day. You are the crowd that sits quiet listening to me and all the mad sense that I make. You are one of the few things worth remembering. And sense it’s all true how could anyone mean more to me, than you. Sorry if sometimes I looks past you, there’s nothing beyond your eyes. Inside my head wheels are turning and sometimes I’m not so wise. You are my heart and my soul my inspiration just like the old love song goes. You are one of the few things worth remembering. And since it’s all true how could anyone mean more to me, than you. You lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

As I sit here typing this, tears are streaming down my face. Isn’t it just like God to be our very heart and our very soul, our very inspiration? I’m still trying to figure out why all this came on all the sudden. Last night I was reading some social media posts. God has given me discernment when I read posts. I can pick up on desperation, hopelessness and depression. It makes me just want to reach through the screen and give them a big hug and say it’s going to be okay. Keep holding on, keep holding on. This old friend from college came across as utterly down last night. I told him to saturate his mind with the Word of God and surround yourself with praying family and friends. We need friends who will stand in the gap when we are weary. This person lives in Florida and I have no clue the details of the situation. However, God knows and God is right there with this guy.

The enemy whispers lies to us all day everyday. You know the drill: You’re not good enough, God can’t use you, You will never measure up! Etc… baloney! I love love love the example Jesus set for us when he was tempted in the wilderness. Everythime the devil came up with his twisted lies, Jesus responded with what Gods Word says. It is vital and I do mean VITAL in all caps. Know the Word of God and use it! Especially in this time where lie, deception and half truths abound everywhere. If you know what the Bible says, you have a come back every single time. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬)

Dig into Gods Word everyday and pray without ceasing. John‬ ‭8‬:‭32‬ says, ‭ “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (NLT‬‬) Another verse is Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬,‭ “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (NLT‬‬) The Bible is FULL of scriptures from cover to cover that will equip you for any situation., “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬ (NKJV). That’s POWERFUL right there and we need it daily!

As I read my old friends post, I understood. Life is a battle field. I don’t understand why it’s more difficult for sone but ultimately God has a perfect plan. When we surrender to Jesus Lordship over our lives we can walk in the victory He gives. We don’t need to understand but we do need to trust Him and keep holding on. Never give up! Never throw in the towel! Keep on keeping on. When you experience the comfort of walking with Jesus, be willing to pour that comfort into others. Be an encouragement. The world needs Jesus!

If you liked this blog post please subscribe. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. Be blessed.

Www.shannonkhinson.com
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Change Me

February 19, 2023Leave a Comment

As I recently heard about the Asbury Revival in Kentucky, it got me thinking. We are in such a dire need of revival. Our world and culture are so evil. We are bombarded daily by sin and people’s indifference to it. I “sat on” this blog topic all last week because it seemed an overwhelming task to even address. There is a fierce spiritual war going on and many people just sit on the sidelines and do nothing. We must repent and pray! We ALL sin and fall short of the glory of God.

This is not about going around judging people. It’s about allowing God to really examine our hearts and motives. Last week in my Bible reading I came across two verses in Psalms 24 verses 3-4: “Who may climb the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies.” (NLT). We need to ask, Lord are my hands clean? What abound my heart?

What people seem to forget is how Holy our God is! People are bombarded so much by sin they begin to accept it. Sex, violence, deception, pride, idolatry, worship of self, racism, disrespect and hate are constantly thrown in our faces by the media and entertainment industry. I personally don’t watch tv so I am careful what I expose myself to. When I am exposed to things of the world it really bothers me because I’m not used to it. I know what Gods Word says is right and wrong. I don’t water it down. It is what it is. Recently I finished a book that my book club was reading. It was a somewhat good book. However, for some reason the author shared the sex life of one character. It was so unnecessary. It would have otherwise been a good book without the casual sex encounters. That is a reflection of the society in which we live.

It’s not only spiritual warfare it’s psychological warfare as well. When people are exposed to some things so constantly over and over, it’s like they begin to just accept it as the way it is. However, Gods Word does not change. Since the beginning in the Garden of Eden, satan has twisted the Word of God. It is Imperative that we know the Bible and let it transform us through and through.

We need a revival and it starts with each individual person. Pastors must stop watering down the living Word of God! Preach the Cross! Preach the blood of Jesus! Preach repentance for sin! Preach resurrection! In Psalms 139, David cries out to God. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

This is War! It is crucial that we put on the armor of God every single day. (Ephesians 6:11-13) I recently was pretty annoyed by someone and was tempted to respond in the flesh which would not have been honoring to God. I asked my Bible study sisters to pray for me to resist the temptation. One reminded me to put on the helmet of salvation which included a mouth piece. I told her I needed a finger guard too to keep me from texting exactly what I thought. Just being real. No one is perfect. I never did say what annoyed me. I just needed prayer to not react in the flesh. The next day “Don’t rain on someone else’s parade” popped in my mind. When someone shares their experiences with me, I should not think of implications they might miss. If God wants to convict them, He will. I need to mind my own business. I‘m thankful for a teachable spirit.

I could go on and on with this but I’m going to wrap it up. Lord change us! Purify us and let revival come!
“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

A worship song is playing in my heart and I probably don’t have the words exactly right but here is what I’m singing right now. I’m going to praise you with everything in me. I’m going to lift you on high for all the world to see. I’m going to worship in every way that I can and when I’ve done it all, I’ll do it all again.

Www.shannonkhinson.com
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“Thrown under the bus?“

January 23, 20234 Comments

What do you do when you get “thrown under the bus” by life? Lately I’ve been studying the life of Joseph in the Bible. His life story is full of life lessons.

I began working on this blog last night. As I was trying to sum up Joseph’s life for the blog, I felt overwhelmed with the details. I’ve read it so many times over the years but for some reason this particular time is showing me life applications I missed before. If you aren’t familiar with Joseph’s story, please find a Bible and read Genesis chapters 37, 39-48.

As I studied this life story I began to see how he dealt with situations from what the Bible shares. I also began to think of loved ones and friends facing one difficulty after another, including myself, and how his story can encourage us.

Joseph was a beloved son and his brothers called him a dreamer. ( Genesis 37:19). They were jealous of him and threw him in a pit, then sold him into slavery. Talking about a real nose dive detour in life.

In Egypt he was purchased by Potiphar the captain of the guard of the Pharaoh of Egypt. The amazing thing was, God was with him in all this hardship. He prospered in his service and everything he did. Potiphar noticed this and put him in charge of his household. Potiphar’s wife began to lust for Joseph. Day after day she tempted him until he fled. After hearing her scandalous lies, Potiphar puts Joseph in prison. Wow! Talking about one bad thing after another!

Once in prison, God continued to bless him there. Genesis‬ ‭39‬:‭21 says, “But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love. And the Lord made Joseph a favorite with the prison warden.” (NLT‬‬). While in prison God enabled Joseph to interpret two dreams, which ends up bringing him before Pharaoh when no one could interpret his dreams. Pharaoh promotes Joseph as second in command over his kingdom to oversee the the years of plenty and years of famine that were coming. There is so much more to this story but space and time are limited.

One thing I want to point out is, God was faithful to Joseph in the land of his grief. Whether it was in the pit, in slavery, prison or the palace: God was faithful to Joseph in all these things. Talking about making a way in the wilderness. He went from beloved son, despised brother, slave, prisoner to second in command of Egypt. Psalms‬ ‭12‬:‭7 says, “Therefore, Lord, we know you will protect the oppressed, preserving them forever from this lying generation.” (NLT‬‬)

Another point I got from all this is Joseph remained faithful to God even in his numerous trials. While the Bible doesn’t tell us that Joseph cried out to the Lord, I’m certain he did. During all these difficulties God was preparing Joseph for his next assignment. God is always working in our lives, hearts, and situstions even when we don’t understand. Focus on Jesus! Cry out to Him and He will answer. It may not always be the answer you want but it will be the best answer concerning His will for your life.

I see this at work in my own life. There have been so many trials over the course of my life that sometimes I really wonder what God is up to. But God tells me to not lean on my understanding but rather trust Him in every single detail. I must learn to be faithful in the land of my grief, frustration and difficulties in order to be ready for the next assignment. I don’t know what the next assignment will be but I must trust Him. My purpose is to bring Him glory whether it’s through writing, blogging, encouraging, serving at the food pantry, etc.

As I’ve been writing this I have thought many times of my brother. For the majority of his life he has been very healthy. God has blessed his family and blessed him professionally. I was often jealous. He was the “golden child” and I was the one with all the problems. (God has changed my perspective over the-years.) I’ve never told him this. I was the one born with vision issues and later loss some of my hearing and comprehension. I often wondered why I had to endure so much for so long but he was so blessed. I too was blessed but in different ways.

In 2020 he was diagnosed with acute leukemia. When it became apparent that he needed a bone marrow transplant I asked God to allow me to help. God allowed me to be a perfect match for his bone marrow transplant. The transplant was successful. However there were many set backs. It was like one step forward, two steps back: over and over again. Right now he is dealing with sinus infections and his ears are full of pressure. Pray for his complete healing. We continue to trust God in each step of his healing. My brother has remained faithful to God in all this and God is using him to minister to others, In all these difficulties I know God is preparing him for a big assignment. I’m so thankful to have a front row seat to see what God will do. ** Forrest I know you will read this. I love you and pray for you daily. I am so proud of the way you are enduring! Hang in there. God is working and preparing you for what lies ahead. You are His child so you can rest assured it will be good and bring Him great glory! Keep on looking to Jesus! He’s got you!🤟🏼🙏

“But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

Keep on!

January 10, 2023Leave a Comment

This is day 10 of 2023 and I’m just now stopping to blog. I decided to read through the Bible again this year in the New Living Translation. As I’ve been reading I’ve made notes on a few possible blog topics. Today I will focus on “Keeping on”. I came across this verse as I was reading recently. It’s a perfect verse for this first blog of the year. “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Keep on asking! God wants us to bring our concerns to Him. He delights when we choose to pray and acknowledge His Lordship over our lives. I love how God has revealed aspects of my relationship with Him through being a Mom. It warms my heart when my grown son seeks me out just to talk and share his life with me. God is my Heavenly Father, and He delights in me praying and seeking Him out to share my heart.

Keep on seeking! I want to know God more and more. Through studying the Bible, learning in church, worship and fellowship, I desire to grow into all He desires for me. Never become satisfied with where you are in your relationship with Jesus. There is always room to grow closer in our walk with Him. Study Jesus character and how He handled situations. I want to be a reflection of who He is. As I seek you Lord, change me!

Keep on knocking! As we ask, seek and knock He will reveal more to us. I want to walk in God’s will for my life. I desire to be the woman He created me to be. I desire to fulfill His call to shine for Him.

Keep on being You! I love when people are real and genuine. We are all human and make mistakes. We all need grace. As God freely gives us grace, be sure to give it to others.

Keep on finding joy in the little things in life. Last Sunday there was a young mom sitting behind me in church with her precious baby daughter. After the service I was marveling at the sweetness of this precious child and she let me hold her. Oh the simple joy and delight in holding a tiny baby.

Keep on finding fun in the ordinary things. My husband and I went to get our hair cut today. The same girl does both of our hair. I was showing her a picture of what I wanted and as I zoomed in ( I have low vision) we saw it was a wig. We all started laughing and I said to Ron, “A wig would solve your problem of having to bring me to get haircuts!” We were all laughing. I turned to our hairstylist and said “This is us!” Life is life, but you can find joy and laughter in the ordinary.

So whatever you do as you start off this year keep on keeping on. God has us. Keep looking to Him and He will direct you.

Gods got you!
“What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭10‬:‭29‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Wrap it up

December 28, 20224 Comments

As 2022 winds down to a close, where do you find yourself? Some people take inventory of their lives at the close of the year and make goals for the new year. We live and hopefully learn along the way so we can move forward. Experience is a great teacher.

Whatever happened in 2022, it’s in the past. We all stumble and fall short. I’m so thankful for the grace of God! When I confess my sins to Jesus, He forgives me. Sometimes we get hung up on past mistakes and defeats. We have to forgive ourselves too and show ourselves grace so we can move forward.

The devil is constantly bringing up our shortcomings so we feel unworthy and unloved. Let me remind you that the devil is the father of lies! (John 8:44)

If you find yourself in a pit of despair, climb out! You might like your little comfort zone. Im speaking to myself here as well. When I close myself off to people and stay comfortable in life, I don’t grow. God has ordained us to make a difference for His kingdom. I believe my purpose in life is to bring God glory. I can’t do that in my comfort zone.

Is God saying to you, “Why are you walking in defeat?” Don’t let this world define you! Rise up to be all God is calling you to be. You might be saying, “But no one understands what I’m going through. “ Let me tell you something,, Jesus fully understands! He left His throne where He had full authority. He chose to be born as a baby to poor young parents. He was fully God and fully human. He understands. Turn your eyes on Jesus. Look to Him in every situation. He cares about every detail of our lives. Nothing is too big or too small to take to Him in prayer. He is always there waiting for you to come to Him. You are never alone.

Recently I was reading Isaiah 40. I love the whole chapter but the last verse struck me as I read the New Living Translation. “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭31‬ ‭(NLT‬‬). For some reason the word soar really stood out to me. It was like the Holy Spirt dropped that word into my heart for 2023. I’ve heard people say before that God gives them a word for the new year but this was my first experience with this.

I’m not sure exactly what God is trying to tell me but I know this: as I fix my eyes upon Jesus, and wait upon Him , He will renew my strength for whatever lies ahead. He will enable me to soar. It won’t be in my own strength but in His. If you know my story you might be shaking your head. This girl is legally blind and deaf, hearing with a cochlear implant. What in the world can she do? On my own… nothing! But all things are possible with God! (Mark 10:27). I love this next verse as it is so encouraging to me. “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.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

As we wrap up 2022 and prepare for 2023, don’t be afraid. Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Read these next two verses. I love this so much. “But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭1-2‬( ‭NLT‬‬)
Here is another verse that I love. “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

I have truly shared my heart with you as2022 is coming to a close. Let me speak truth over you as you step into the new year. “So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.” 2 Thessalonians‬ ‭1‬:‭11‬ ‭(NLT‬) I love God Word. Now rise up and soar into the new year! ‭‭

All scriptures are from, You Version app. I love this app so much because it makes reading the Bible assessable with my low vision.

Sought & Found ~ Great Joy

December 24, 2022Leave a Comment

I can’t tell you how light my heart has been these last few weeks. As I sit in the early mornings with just the Christmas tree lights on, it is utterly peaceful. These early morning times are spent in prayer and reading the Bible. I do this everyday year round , minus the Christmas tree lights which are only on in December and part of January. These times with Jesus set the pace for my day.

As the Christmas Carol goes, Joy to the world the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room…. I will stop right there. I personally opened my heart to Jesus years ago. He is the greatest gift from God. He fills my heart with great Joy. I have sought and found Him and my confidence is in Him for all my needs. He fills my life with great joy and helps me have perspective on the hard things in life.

You might scoff at my view and think I live under a rock. Yes I know all the troubles going on in the world. Yes I see the suffering. Life is tough. Being legally blind and deaf is a day to day challenge that few understand. BUT God gives me such great determination and strength to endure. It’s not about me and having it all easy. It’s about Jesus and bringing glory to His name.

Jesus is the best and most Undescribable gift! Like the shepherds and wise men who eagerly followed the star and found baby Jesus in a manager, in a stable. When they found Him they were filled with awe and joy. Have you sought Jesus? He is waiting for you to make room in your heart amd life for Him.

Christmas is a promise kept. (God keeps All His promises) The prophets foretold Jesus birth hundreds of years before it happened. Wow! What an awesome God we serve. As I typed that I actually started singing the worship chorus… My God is awesome, He can move a mountain, keep me in the valley. Hide me from the rain. My God is awesome, heals me when I’m broken, strength when I am weary, forever He will reign. I’m sitting here with tears streaming down my cheeks. I might not have the words exactly right but my heart is in tune with my Lord.

Do you know Jesus? He is the greatest gift you will ever get! When you accept Him as your Lord and Savior and confess and repent of your sins, He forgives you and fills you with such peace.

If you have wandered away from the faith, come home to Jesus! He is the only thing that will ever satisfy your soul. The world is filled with distractions and momentary pleasures but they won’t ever fill your heart. There is a place in our hearts that only Jesus can fill. Make room! Don’t turn Him away.

Dear Jesus I pray for all who read this, I pray you will open their eyes to your truth, your word, your love. As we prepare to celebrate your birth, I pray we each worship you with all our hearts and rejoice in the gift you give. It’s all about you Jesus! Show us the way! Shine brightly for the whole world to see! I love you Lord! Happy birthday Jesus? Amen!

Merry Christmas to you all! If you liked this blog post please subscribe. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. Be blessed.

Be a Miracle

October 7, 20222 Comments

Recently I was scrolling through Tik Tok and I came across a Pastor who has no arms or legs. I followed him on the app a while back so his videos appear in my feed. He is such an extraordinary person with extraordinary faith. This particular video I came across captured my attention. In the video clip, this pastor with no arms or legs was saying,” When you don’t get a miracle, Be a Miracle”. I though, whoa.. did I get that right? With my low vision and hearing issues, I do often get it wrong. A few days later I went back to try to find the video to save it for future reference and inspiration. Sure enough, with my caption zoomed in large and volume on my device up, I was right. He said, “When you don’t get a miracle, Be a miracle.”

I can’t tell you how many times I have prayed for a miracle for myself and others. While I’ve seen no physical improvements in my nerves that affect my hearing and visual problems, God has and continues to give me extraordinary strength to push through. However, I have never thought in terms of, “Being a Miracle”. Okay Lord will you show me how?

How can I “Be a miracle”? This takes a big shift in perspective and active faith. I decided to get out in nature to walk, pray and reflect. I asked my husband Ron to drop me off at River Walk for some quality time alone with God. As I walked and prayed, praise and thanksgiving filled my heart and mind. Suddenly
the thought “let gratitude be your attitude” came to mind. I began to thank God for the strength that He gives me every day. As I walked and prayed, I thanked God for allowing me to see the asphalt path. I had never walked this path alone. (It is safe with security patrolling) I was hoping to see a deer but I saw squirrels and a bunch of dear people enjoying the beautiful day. My senses were heightened. The sounds of moving water from the river, birdsong and rustling leaves surrounded me. I’m so thankful my Advanced Bionic Marvel cochlear implant processor allows me to hear those beautiful sounds. The warm sunshine, a refreshing breeze and smells of nature enveloped me. As I walked and worshiped the Lord I was tempted to lift my hands and sing but I didn’t. My heart was singing though. Walking more than four miles, I became weary along the way. My mind was telling me to push! Push through even through I was tired! I sensed in my spirit the Lord saying, I clothe you with strength…. Keep going!

God got me back to my starting point. After sitting down on some steps, I texted Ron and told him I was ready to be picked up. Physically wear, I came away refreshed in spirit. To “Be a Miracle” you need only to focus on Jesus with a grateful heart. It’s easy to look for God in the supernatural, but He wants us to know Him on a personal level. When we choose God daily, He allows us to find the everyday miracles. As He leads us forth, He enables us to “Be a Miracle” through His power made perfect in our weakness. Trust Him! He’s got this…whatever this is!

To read more of my story you can find my autobiography on Amazon in hard cover, soft cover and e book formats. “Rooted by the Water” by Shannon Kenley Hinson.
Www.shannonkhinson.com

You will overcome

September 1, 20222 Comments

Have you ever felt slighted? Overlooked might be a better word. I experience this quite often and I know it’s not intentional. When it happens you can feel despair. It’s as if no one sees your struggle and in my case they usually don’t. Although no one is at fault.

Last weekend was one of the lowest points I’ve had in many years. In all honesty I am left out in a sense on a regular basis. This has been my life for many years. When you have low vision and hearing you are cut off from people. You are at the mercy of someone caring to include you and helping you be a part of what’s going on. One on one I’m usually fine but anytime it’s a group of people, I’m struggling to understand . I get bits and pieces. It really disconnects me from people. That’s why I love talking to people online because there are no communication barriers. My low vision makes it a bit difficult because I must push through finding all the typos and a sense of humor to laugh in spite of the frustrations.

The enemy knows our weaknesses and last weekend I took quite a few blows . First it was my Facebook being suspended when I had done nothing wrong. That was a big connection to many people where I was not left out. It’s like God gave me an additional sense when people are struggling with life. I saw people who constantly posted things of sadness and being slighted by others. In these posts, I took the time to encourage and speak life to them. Social media platforms can be a ministry tool if used the right way. I was blown away that my page was suspended. My husband had a FB as well but had not used it in years, so we found his old password and got on his to file a complaint. We have not heard back from them. He said for me to use his page. Two days after I started using his, I got the same messsge that I was in violation of their standards. Whoa! Seriously?!?! I had posted all of FOUR things and none were offensive at all. I navigated around that and changed his password . So far we are still up but I don’t know for how long.

On to the second and third knock this past weekend, all which were unintentional. We were invited to a family dinner to celebrate my brothers two years anniversary of his bone marrow transplant. I loved being there for him. As we sat around the table I smiled and watched everyone conversing. I got bits and pieces but that’s all I can comprehend in a group. I depend on some one helping me to understand. The third knock came on Sunday, it was another unintentional thing. It was a lapse in communication among my deaf friends. Sometimes they prefer to FaceTime because sign language is so natural to them. FaceTiming is hard for me though because I don’t see all the signs. They did a group FaceTime and someone was to tell me but they forgot. I usually don’t care bit it was too many things in a short time; Facebook, family, then my closest friends.

Sunday after church I could not hold the tears. As we sat in Harpers splitting a pasta dish, the dam broke and out came the tears of frustration. Ron had been sitting across the table from me but. slipped into the seat beside me so I could feel his support.

That afternoon I cried out to God. Lord why does it have to be this way? Why do you disconnect me from people because of my hearing and visual issues? Lord these are things you could fix. Jesus you took a besting for our healing. Your word says in Isaiah 53:5 “But He was pierced for our offenses, He was crushed for our wrongdoings; The punishment for our well-being was laid upon Him, And by His wounds we are healed.”
‭‭ (NASB2020‬) God you see what I’m dealing with. Help me!

On Monday I had lunch with my deaf girlfriends. (All but one who had to work) they did not mean to hurt my feelings. It was unintentional. I shared about everything over the weekend and they understood. They too feel these things in family gatherings. One friend said her high school counselor had explained deafness well. Her counselor said some disabilities are invisible. People don’t know what you’re going through. The person right beside you could be crying out on the inside but not show it outwardly. I am that way. I can put on a smile despite what’s going on, most of the time. In my way of thinking, it’s no one’s fault that I have these limitations.

On Tuesday I had my Bible study with my neighbor who is like an older sister to me. On that day we talked about two names of God: El Roi the God who sees and El Shaddai, the all sufficient one. We are doing the Kay Athur study, “Lord I want to Know You”. It teaches the names of God revealed in the Bible and reveals God’s character. It’s amazing God had us cover these names this week, as He revealed His sufficiency and the fact that Hre sees it all. Studying Gods Word this week and knowing who He is, has reaffirmed my faith and hope in Jesus. I do not know why I have these ongoing hardships that are invisible to others. I know El Roi sees me and meets me where I am. I’m not going to lie, it’s tough but God is the anchor that keeps me steady when the going gets rough.

2 Corinthians 12: 9-10 were two of the verses we discussed on Tuesday in Bible study. This is what these verses say: “And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in distresses, in persecutions, in difficulties, in behalf of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭12:9-10‬ ‭(NASB2020‬‬). I told my neighbor that I hoped to be like Paul one day when I can honestly say this. I’m not there yet.

I am so thankful for new mercies every day and renewed strength. He will continue to pour into me as I look to Him. In the meantime time as I journey on each day let me remind you that people need compassion and love. Just because someone looks fine on the outside does not mean they are fine on the inside. We can’t walk around with a sticker on our head saying, “Don’t forget me please”. Everyone is going through some thing. Let’s be there for each other. God uses people to do His work. Let’s always be available to do His work. We are in this together and Jesus helping every step of the way.

To read more of my story you can find my autobiography on amazon in hard cover, soft cover and e book formats. “Rooted by the Water ” by Shannon Kenley Hinson.