Coincidence ?

Not the best picture, but it’s me at the end of this day.

I’m probably going to keep this short because I’m feeling rather drained. Yes, I was able to muster up a smile in the above picture. I can usually pull that off but it’s going to be an early to bed kind of night. Today I had my appointment with my audiologist to map (program) my cochlear implant processor. My previous audiologist was also there and they had a specialist with Advanced Bionics in California on the phone. The specialist recommended some adjustments to try to help me understand speech better. My brain seems to process speech slower than the majority of people talk. I usually have trouble hearing my husband because his voice doesn’t carry. My Audi Jenna made changes then had me and Ron to talk and see if I could hear him better. I hear him better now with the changes that were made, but it is still off.

Jenn asked if I was ready to “work” and I replied, “Yes, always have to be up for that.” The sound booth is not my cup of tea. I close my eyes to concentrate on hearing beeps, words, sentences, or whatever she wants me to listen to. I felt my body tense as I tried to hear things correctly. I mentally made myself relax and refocused. I didn’t feel like I had done well with the words. As it turned out, I got three more correct than last time. Three! Once we started the sentences I was so stressed. Out of all the random, and I do mean very random sentences, I got one completely right!! ONE! That one sentence was; Do you believe in miracles?” I looked through the little window at where she was sitting and said, “Yes! Do you believe in miracles?” Do you think that’s a coincidence that was the one and only sentence I totally understood? I don’t! I don’t believe in coincidences. I believe in God and I’ve been praying for miracles and I will continue to believe until it occurs in our lives. Yes we all need one! Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Can I see it yet? Nope! Am I sure of what I hope for? Just as sure as one can humanly be. So what do I do in the meantime as I wait? I will praise my God for He enabled me to hear that one sentence. I will thank Him and continue to seek Him because life isn’t about getting what I want. It’s about serving God with a pure heart in the good, the bad, the ugly and the stressful. That’s been 2025 so far. I was just texting Mom to let her know how it went today. At the end of the text I honestly said, “2025 has been a stressful rollercoaster that I’m ready to get off of”. She said, “Your miracle is coming and Joshua’s is too.”

God is my waymaker, miracle worker, promise keeper, light in the darkness. Yes that;s right! Even when I don’t feel or see Him working, He is still working behind the scenes; Working all things out! So in the waiting, I will lift Him high in the lowest valleys and I will continue to praise Him. He’s my Abba and I know He loves me and I’m not alone. Be encouraged. Whatever you are facing. God is great at making ways when there isn’t one. Be blessed!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Don’t throw it in!,


Sometimes when I write I feel a fire burning inside as I desire to encourage others. This is one of those times. Let’s be honest! Life is tough! You might be tempted to throw in the towel and say, ”Just forget it! I’m tired of the struggle!” Let me encourage you, don’t throw in that towel! Keep pushing forward! Keep believing! Keep fighting!

Yesterday I received some discouraging news about a dear friend who is being moved to hospice. This was pretty shocking! She had back surgery in April but has had complication after complication. The doctors have done all they can do. When faced with situations like this it’s so easy to take the doctors word and let go. A group of friends and I have a group chat going on to pray fervently for our dear friend. Yesterday one of the ladies shared a picture of a note our friends grandson wrote. It was a precious note to encourage, reminding his Grandpa that this was just an obstacle in life. – That dear friends is child like faith. God gets the last word not the doctors. As long as there is breath in her lungs, there is hope that God can turn this around. Join me in prayer for our sweet friend. God knows her name and the exact situation. I choose to believe God.

Last night I invited my Mom to go to a Teacups ministry event. I’ve only been a few times but the ladies are so welcoming and it’s always nice. It was a chance for Mom to meet more ladies from her church. The last few times I went it’s been a larger group. Being hearing and visually impaired, I don’t do that great in groups. Currently I’m having issues hearing with my cochlear implant and last night was way out of my comfort zone with all the voices to try to understand. But I “pressed in my heels” and tried anyway. I’m glad I did! I saw one lady there going through cancer treatment. She was all smiles with a scarf wrapped around her head. She is victorious! I saw other ladies there enduring pain in their bodies. They could have stayed home but they chose to come. Another lady’s son in law is going through some difficulties with his vision. I can relate and plan to reach out to encourage.

My point? Keep moving forward! Keep pressing on! Sometimes we have to live life “moment by moment”. Whatever it takes, don’t throw the towel in. God has us in the palm of His hands. He invites us to bring all our concerns and needs to Him. When the doctor gives bad news, trust Gods promises! When things in society seem to be spiraling downwards, trust God! Speak life and pray without ceasing!

Last night some of the ladies decorated rocks. I didn’t do one since it’s hard to see. One lady made one for me with the scripture Joshua 1:9 on it. I looked it up when I got home. It said, “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.” She will never know how perfect this was for me.

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

‭‭