prayer – Page 5 – rootedbythewater.blog

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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Comforting others

October 7, 2021Leave a Comment

I’m sitting here thinking deeply after finishing up my morning quiet time with the Lord. Last week I started a new Bible study by Kay Arthur, “ Trusting God in times of Adversity.” It’s a study of the book of Job in the Bible. Todays reading was on Job chapter 6 when Job replies to his friend Eliphaz. As I read my mind took a little detour.

Being a part of an e-mail prayer group I’m aware of many prayer needs. People face devastating things daily. Intercession is one of my spiritual gifts so I take to heart these needs as I pray throughout the day as God brings them to my mind.

Sometimes I feel so empty inside and think, what can I possibly do to help others in their hard times. I acknowledged this morning that feelings have nothing to do with it. Faith has nothing to do with the way we feel about something. Lord help me to strive to have Biblical faith to have ASSURANCE of things hoped for and CONVICTION of what I do not see. (Hebrews 11:1)

I also thought deeply of how to comfort others in their times of difficulty. I recalled this verse, “who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians‬ ‭1:4‬ ‭ESV‬‬).

I know God’s very presence comforts me and He always listens to my prayers. He brings something along to light up my face with a smile. We can do these things for others: be there to give physical support, always have a listening ear, do something to brighten their day.

If truth be told, everyone is fighting a battle daily that most know nothing about. Let’s be a beam of light in the darkness and lift their load. People matter! Let’s make a difference in the world for the glory of God.

On a side note, I got a new shipment of my book “Rooted by the Water”. Reach out if you’d like a copy. It can also be found on online retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, Target and Walmart

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

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

Show compassion

September 9, 2021Leave a Comment

It’s been several days since my last blog. Over the last week or so I’ve just been observing and praying. With my limited vision and hearing, I often ask my husband Ron if I’m understanding right. I pick up on things others might miss; body language and frustrations. People are weary; physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Not only are people weary, they also are divided.

I was praying this morning and then as I read in Matthew, I came across this verse. “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew‬ ‭9:36‬ ‭NLT‬‬

While I don’t profess to be highly intelligent. I do use the gifts God has given me. As I pray for wisdom and discernment, my heart aches for people. There is mass misinformation. “Itching ears” can find information to backup whatever their view is to justify their beliefs. But Jesus has all the answers. He can solve all the questions we have. We must go to Him in prayer and read His Word “The Bible”. In John 14: 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” NIV

Jesus has the answers. He is Truth. He is always ready to pour compassion on us, direct us in our confusion and lift the burdens off our shoulders. He is ready to forgive when we confess our sins and ask Him to help us change.

If you are weary and disheartened today, I encourage you to “Unplug yourself from the noise of the world”. Find a quiet place and meditate on Jesus. Worship Him and soak in His Word. As we all do this on a daily basis, I pray the Holy Spirit will pour into our weary vessels. Pour in His compassion for this confused and hurting world. Let us unite in prayer. The world is in dire need of Jesus! Times are short! Pray! Read the Bible! Let Jesus use you today!

“He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few.”‭‭Matthew‬ ‭9:37‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Pictures from internet sources.

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

Preparation for the daily grind

August 23, 2021Leave a Comment

It’s a great morning. I’m back on my back porch in my “quiet place/ prayer outdoor room”. Ive missed this! While last weeks Girlfriends beach trip was a blast and I was able to really think on the Lord in His beautiful creation, it was difficult to find blocks of “Quiet uninterrupted time” with God.
I missed this time to unplug myself from people and just soak in Hs presence. My back porch quiet times are filled with Soft worship, praying out loud as that helps me to focus and reading the Bible using You Version app. I wish I could se well enough to read an actual Bible but I can only do that with my video magnifier in the study room. I’m grateful for a refreshing time away but am ready to get back on track.

Thankful for a beautiful time with the Lord this morning to prepare me for the day ahead.
I hope everyone has an awesome day. God is so good and faithful… Always! Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Praising Him in Uncertainty

August 9, 2021Leave a Comment

Feeling unsettled once again. There is one certainty in life and that’s JESUS ~ He loves me , died for me, forgives me when I confess, and strengthens me each day. Life can get messy and plans often fall through. There are always expectations; some we have of ourselves , some others impose on us. There are many ways to accomplish things but what is the best way? I’m at a point in life that I don’t want to try to MAKE things happen. I don’t want to FORCE things. I can be stubborn and “find a way”— that’s all good. Nothing wrong with determination. However I’m beginning to realize that taking things out of focus and trying to “make it work” is making me feel unsettled. It’s not about me! It’s about giving Glory to God. If God wants me to accomplish something, I’m praying He gives me discernment and open doors.

I was told recently in order to market my book “Rooted by the Water” I need to speak to groups. It was mentioned that social media isn’t a great way to get customers. I was encouraged to do things in person. In all honestly, I’m like “Hello”…. I can’t see well enough to drive nor do I hear well enough to talk on the phone. Sure, I cam speak to groups. I’ve done it before BUT it’s un-nerving. Imagine walking into an office to speak to someone, well first… lets back up. I’ve got to get the appointment, get there, find the office. I have to get close to signs because I can’t see from a distance. So I’m unsettled before I even get there, then to tell my story! Lord come on, do you really want me to do this? I’m willing, yes! I can do things with God’s help. It blows my mind how I rely on Him daily.

I recall a time years ago when I taught a sign language class at Fort Mill Church of God. I was shocked at how many people showed up for the first class. So while keeping a calm and collected outer appearance I was asking God HOW I was going to pull that off. I remember passing out something and walking by the rows of people who had showed up for class. I said “Lord I’m going to need to be able to “see” what they are signing! Help!” God did help! He did strengthen me to get through that period of time teaching. The class got lots smaller as people realized it takes time and practice to learn a new language. The smaller class was much more doable. God knows and God worked it out.

So today, I’m going to focus on Praising the Lord while all the uncertainties swarm around. I’m going to focus on the WAY MAKER! MIRACLE WORKER! PROMISE KEEPER! LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS! THAT’S MY GOD! When I’m unsettled yet choose to sit at His feet and just Be Still and Praise Him, I know He will work all things according to His perfect Will.

www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

August 7, 2021Leave a Comment

bible.com/bible/116/rom.15.13.NLT

Be Still

August 5, 2021Leave a Comment

Lately I’ve been feeling a bit unsettled. Following the advice of one of the marketing reps at the publisher of my book, I joined Twitter. (Which is quite interesting) Ron and I don’t even turn the TV on in our house. Twitter is FULL of news, whether it’s true or not… who knows. So between Twitter, Facebook, Gab, Instagram and Clouthub there is a bombardment of information / disinformation. Keep in mind, I’m a person of love and peace with a sensitive heart.
Last night I had an unusual night or scrolling through social media platforms and the divisive HOT topics blow my mind. On one platform one guy just asked a simple question which was followed by over 200 comments arguing. I could not even read through them all it unsettling me in such a way. I try to be attentive to the Holy Spirit’s quiet voice and it was like He was saying “Peace! Be Still”.
Another unsettling matter is marketing my book “Rooted by the Water”. If you know me, I’m not one to seek attention or a spotlight. I’d rather be a “wall flower” and just blend in in the background. But what’s the point of writing a book if you don’t try to sell it. So I find myself way way out of my comfort zone. God laid on my heart the willingness to write the book, which is quite amazing because I’ve spent most of my life not sharing my shortcomings. God is surely STRETCHING me! However, I continue to think on what the Holy Spirit says “Be Still!”. It’s not about me, it’s about giving Glory to God.
This morning I had the sweetest time of fellowship with the Lord as I sat on the back porch for my quiet time. The temperature was cooler and birds were singing. As I sat there several worship songs filtered through my mind and I began to softly sing. As adoration and praise for God filled me, tears began to flow and peace settled in. Time in prayer and reading Psalms further strengthened me. It’s amazing what time spent with the Lord can do for you as He helps refocus on what’s important. No wonder we are encouraged to “Be Still”.
Now let’s get this day rolling. I have a meeting with two other Authors to brainstorm marketing ideas. If you only knew how un-nerving these things are for me, but God is with me and I will continue to Be Still in His presence. I challenge you all today to set time aside for the Lord to just be with Him in quietness and trust.
Psalms 46:10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Don’t give up!

July 31, 2021Leave a Comment

As we wrap up this week and get ready for a new one, I want to encourage you all to NOT GIVE UP! Keep PRAYING! Keep PUSHING! Keep MOVING FORWARD! Keep BELIEVING!

As I have prayed for many needs this week (some mine & some for others) and have encouraged several in some of their struggles: one lady told me even though she doesn’t feel God working or “see” Him working…. she KNOWS in her heart that HE IS WORKING and NEVER STOPS WORKING! She is right! Sometimes prayers aren’t answered in the way we expect but we can’t give up HOPE!

Faith shows the reality of what we hope for: it is the evidence of things we can not see. Hebrews 11;1 (NLT) The Amplified Bible states it this way “ Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen(the conviction of their reality – faith comprehends as fact what can not be experienced by the physical senses).” So even when we don’t see our prayers being answered, we simply trust in and put our faith in God who is able to do far more than we ask or imagine.

From personal experience I can say that God does not always (well honestly… quite often) answer our prayers in the way we request. For example. last Monday our son had his annual appointment with his specialist. We had prayed HARD for IMPROVEMENT. God gave us STABILITY. It wasn’t exactly what we had prayed for BUT IT WAS STILL GOOD! Sometimes God answers in ways that we can’t understand but as our Abba Father, HE KNOWS BEST!

As we close this week I’d like to pray for all who read this……. Dear Heavenly Father we thank you Lord and praise you for all that you are and all that you are doing in our lives. Even when we don’t understand, we choose to trust you! You are the all powerful, all sufficient, ever present, loving, merciful, gracious, HOLY God. There is NO other. We give you all glory, honor and praise. We confess our sins and acknowledge that every single day we need you! Holy Spirit guide us and direct us. Use us for Your glory! Teach us to pray and walk with you in a close fellowship where we always hear your voice saying “This is the way, walk in it”. I lift up the many needs to you: sickness, broken families, addictions and many other issues. You are our Healer, our Deliverer, Strong Tower. Savior! We run to you and are safe! Put a hedge of protection around us and our families. Help us to be humble and full of love, yet Bold to declare Your gospel. In Jesus name I pray Amen!

Tomorrow is August 1 and starts a new week. Start your week in The House of the Lord! Keep Believing! God is faithful… always!