#pressthrough – Page 3 – rootedbythewater.blog

Roll on~

February 25, 20252 Comments

See that piece of old tape on that zoom dial?

One of my least favorite things to do is organize our study room. If I could see well it wouldn’t be so bad, but I have to put every single paper under my video magnifier to see what it says. Not to mention that old video magnifier has a zoom dial that is broke. As I’m looking at whatever, it zooms extra large to small at the tiniest touch of the broken dial. Lord help me! Ron was looking into replacing it but I said NO! Those things cost a lot of money and I can just tape it at a reasonable zoom level….again!

Yesterday I asked Ron if we could switch our large desk around. It’s a large L shaped desk with the computer at the angle, my video magnifier on one end and his stuff on the other. I wanted to try switching ends. What was I thinking? I created a pile of papers that now need to be looked through and probably shredded. In the midst of those papers and notebooks that I had tucked things into, I found some “GEMS” Tucked in one of my journals from 2006, I had put a Christmas card picture from an old childhood friend. Wow! I don’t even remember getting the card. It was in the envelope, with return address. Wonder if she still lives there. Gosh, it’s at least 17 years old from the looks of her children who are now grown adults. I also found a card I received 19 years ago when I was getting ready to have my cochlear implant surgery. Lord have mercy! I really need to look through these things but…. like I said, I have to put everything under my machine to see what it says.

Sometimes we have to “roll with it” and get it done but oh my word, I’m not looking forward to this. Speaking of “roll with it” I don’t mean literally. We have two office chairs in the study that roll on the wooden floor. Last night when I sat down in one of the chairs, I just made it to the edge and the chair started rolling backwards across the floor. The treadmill saved me from busting on my butt. That would not have been good with this being week two of being out of the back brace.

We really do have to “roll with it” in life. My day started wonderfully. My friend Katie who is a Pastor/Missionary’s wife came to visit. I really loved seeing her and having time to catch up since we haven’t seen each other in years. When she left I sat at the computer to put in a Mary Kay order and things went downhill from there. I haven’t sat at that computer in months and my bookmarked page was no longer there. Keep in mind I have to “Ultra zoom” to see the computer. I’m talking so zoomed the font becomes like little pencils. AND my bookmarked page was gone. After much frustration I finally got it figured out and Ron bookmarked it for me again.

Next thing….. yes there’s a next thing. There is always a next thing. The tax booklet from the accountant still needs to be complete. I’ve got one more section. That means back to that machine, and I’ll be sure to not “fall out of the chair” when I “roll with it” this time. Ron told me we are also having a house guest tonight. I told Ron, I just washed the sheets so they would be clean when our son returns from out of town next week. I joked that our house is the “Hinson Inn & Call Center”. If you’re having a rough day and need a sounding board just give us a call. (Well Ron, not me) If you need a place to crash, come on by. (I’m kidding but it’s kind of what happens). Years ago our son Joshua was always having friends over. He’s an only child, so we always welcomed them. I used to look out the window and know who was here by whatever car(s) were here. Yes sometimes more than one. I used to tell Ron we needed a sign for the yard. “Hinson Inn ~ NO Vacancies” ~ drive on!😂

We go through seasons in life where there is change and we have to declutter, making room for new growth. After the stressful afternoon I decided to get out in the sun. This is my kind of February day, sunny and 67 degrees. Perfect! I needed to trim the bottom layer of limbs on Dad’s tulip tree. We planted that tree in his memory almost four years ago.. Trimming the bottom branches will help me be able to see if anything is hiding underneath when the tree blooms. It has buds all over it and always buds around the time he passed. It’s bittersweet.

That’s the thing about life, it gets cluttered, you have to trim things back, you have to “roll with it” and continue to be a blessing despite the stress. Tomorrow is RiceNBeans day, which brings life into perspective. Our homeless friends don’t have a place to call their own. They don’t know where their next meal will come from. Two weeks ago my friend gave a lady the boots off her own feet because the lady’s shoes were soaked from the cold rain. That was one of the most beautiful things. We are beyond blessed; papers I can’t see, machines with the broken zoom dial, phones to enable people to call who need a listening ear (Ron’s) , clean sheets for the next guest. There is much to thank God for. He is faithful. Even when we don’t understand why He doesn’t fix things the way we want. He sees the big picture. Let’s just raise a Hallelujah and “roll on”.

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Deep Breath & ASAP

February 11, 2025February 11, 2025Leave a Comment

Someone sent me this years ago and it fits perfect with this blog.

This blog title ”hits the nail on the head”! It’s been one of those days, or shall I say “few days”. This is week five since my fall on ice, getting a compression fracture to my L3. I’m healing well and ready to be finished with this back brace. Sunday afternoon I thought I’d work on our taxes. I was just sitting at a desk so I figured not wearing the brace was okay, but I paid for it yesterday. My lower back was very sore. Taking a muscle relaxer does help at night but it causes me to sleep much longer than normal.

This morning I woke up at 9:45 so my morning was thrown off. I really need to start my day in prayer. It helps me handle the day so much better. This morning as soon as I woke up, my husband Ron was asking me for a small box to mail something in. He needed it this morning but I didn’t know until I woke up. I was not fully awake and searching for a box, before putting on the back brace. Had not even had my coffee yet. Not my way for starting a day. He finally had what he needed and left for the post office. I put on the back brace, made my coffee and went upstairs to pray. Truth be told, I need to do that FIRST before anything else.

Grabbing my iPad, I glanced at the screen and saw several texts come in. Some girlfriends decided to have lunch. I already had a day of baking cakes and laundry planned so I thought I’d pass on lunch. I quickly texted one of the girls and said, “I really need my prayer time first. I’ll text you after I’m done and let you know.”. Finally taking a deep breath, I began praying. Lord help! Hey I am being serious. The morning had been a bust and I needed a restart. There is something about praying in the morning. It’s as if you are taking the flesh captive and saying Lord Your Will not mine! I told the Lord about my frustrations and lifted up some people in prayer. I can tell you I felt so refreshed after that time in prayer. When I was finished I told my friend I’d join them. Fellowship with friends always helps.

When I arrived home from lunch (lunch with these friends is always long. Today was about a three hour lunch). I did wear the back brace but my back was tired from sitting so long. I had two more pound cakes to make, and the two I made last night had to be sliced and put in bags for our outreach tomorrow. Ron helped me with the slicing and wow, we got 100 slices of cake from four pound cakes. That made me happy.

Finally sitting with a cushion at my back and the heating pad, I decided to check social media posts. Oh my! Sometimes you have to take a deep breath and SCROLL ON! One person was all uptight over President Trump changing the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America. I mean really! Isn’t that a bit petty? I’m learning to not respond to political posts. I did say, I’m learning! (Not there yet 😂) The thing is, our media is bought out. They report according to a narrative They have succeeded in the smear Trump campaign and people are beyond brainwashed. It’s not their fault, it’s the medias bias. When people post ignorant things I sometimes respond. I will say I’m always respectful in my responses but I guess Ron can tell when I’m frustrated. So tonight I’m sitting here typing really fast and he comes over and says, “How many words can you type a minute?” I’m like,”Umm, that’s like asking you how many words you can speak a minute.” He said what are you frustrated about? It does frustrate me when people post things and haven’t a clue what’s really going on. But that’s just one of those times when I need to take a deep breath, say a prayer and scroll on.Everyone has a right to their opinion.

Life is challenging. I meet all sorts of of people on social media. I know some people frown on that but hear me out. People need words of encouragement. That was one of my reasons for writing my autobiography, Rooted by the Water to encourage people during the pandemic. People need Life spoken over them. As Ron was driving me to meet my friends for lunch I ask him a hard question. I asked, ”How do you respond when people say something that seems suicidal?”. I am sensitive to people’s tone of voice in writing. (Remember I can’t hear well or see well but people’s tone of voice in writing is clear) I told him about a post I had seen last night and that’s the way the person came across, as suicidal. When I saw it, I responded with encouragement to keep holding on. God uses all of us in different ways. So many different talents and gifts. Where ever you are in life, people are watching, listening. You make a difference with your response or lack there of. The decision is yours. You can shine for Jesus or not. Yes life can be tiring, but we are on a mission to make a difference for the glory of God. We have to take the flesh captive and make it submit to God. Sometimes we need to apologize for a sour attitude. That’s okay. Apologize and move forward.

For me , prayer changes the course of my day. Prayer gives me a different perspective. Serving people also lifts my spirits. Taking deep breaths can also let out pent up tension. Maybe avoiding social media or limiting it is a good idea too. I love to encourage people, but it can be draining.

God willing, next Monday I will be released from this back brace and ready to strengthen my back and core muscles again. I’m used to the hearing and visual limits but the physical limits are annoying. I’m ready to get back to my normal. Hopefully soon. In the meantime with whatever comes I will keep on taking a deep breath, ASAP (always say a prayer)and scroll on.

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Time Flies

January 28, 20254 Comments

Time sure doesn’t move slowly. It flies! We blink, and our baby boy is turning 27! Tomorrow is our son Joshua’s 27th birthday and it will be the first one when we don’t see him. He had wanted to go on a birthday trip, all three of us, but after falling on ice and injuring my back, we told him to go have fun with his friends. Although he has flown many times over the years, today was the first time he flew alone. I told him, “You can do this! I used to do it before I married your dad.” I knew it would be a confidence builder. He just requested assistance since he has low vision. He called his dad when he landed in Florida and texted me when he found his friends. We know he will have a blast.

This past year has been one of tremendous growth and courage. If you know, you know. I’ll leave it at that. He has proven himself in so many areas and is on the road to his calling: Massage Therapy and Body Work. He truly has a gift in this career. He finished all courses, clinical work and passed the state exam. There are just a couple more things in the process then he can set out on his career journey.

Over Thanksgiving, Grandma showed him a scripture she had highlighted and noted in her Bible from 2009. One of the Assistant Pastors had spoken that passage over Joshua. “And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.” Ezekiel‬ ‭36‬:‭26‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Joshua then asked , “Was I a problem child?” No he wasn’t. 2009 was the year he was diagnosed with optic atrophy. He’s such a unique person and we are so proud of the young man he is. He has been through the fire and sometimes is still in it, but that’s how God refines us. He’s has experienced more things in 27 years than many expirence in a lifetime. We can just gleam from each experience and move forward.

We are excited to see what this year will hold. I know God goes before him and follows him. God’s hand of blessing is on his head. Why we have to endure these visual issues is something we don’t know. As his mom, all I can do is pray and put forth the example of living a life serving God. God’s power is made perfect in our weakness. That may be a slightly easier thing for a woman than a man ~ But God! He is learning, God is molding him and we get front row seats to see it all unfold. Happy birthday Joshua. You are a blessing. Keep being strong and courageous! God is always with you, wherever you go! 🤟🏼

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Get out of that pit

January 23, 2025January 23, 2025Leave a Comment

It’s been about a week since my last blog post on joy. This week has found me being more physically idle so my compression fracture can heal. It’s been one week in the back brace and three more to go. The intriguing thing about being idle physically is that my mind has gone all over the place. There was the historical inauguration of President Trump on Monday. Tuesday I had an appointment with my audiologist for a mapping for my cochlear implant processor. A few changes were made in my processor programs via computer and volumn turned up so I can hear my husband Ron better Side note ~ I told her I might end up complaining about hearing him better because he is a talker 😂 I did score better on word comprehension. However sentences are still a challenge because of the rate of speech. My audiologist will send my mapping and test scores to Advanced Bionics specialists in California and get their feedback on how to help me progress. The rest of the week has been uneventful.

I did decide at the end of 2024 to read through the Bible this year with the English Standard Version. I chose a Chronological online Bible and was surprised when it went from Genesis to the book of Job. That’s definitely not in order but I’m seeing a pattern here. Genesis ends with the end of Joseph’s life. He went from favored son to despised brother,, slave, prisoner, to ruler of Egypt. The next book the Bible reading plan had me read was the book of Job. Again I see favored Job , then trials, tribulations and afflictions, to richly restored again. Today as I was reading the following verse stood out to me. “He has redeemed my soul from going down into the pit, and my life shall look upon the light.’” Job‬ ‭33‬:‭28‬ ‭(ESV‬‬). Pit… for some reason that stands out to me. After reading about Joseph’s account of actually being thrown in a pit by his brothers: Then I see Job literally being in the pit as one thing after another happened to him, but he maintained his integrity.

God’s way’s are so much higher than we can begin to understand. Why do bad things happen to people? That’s one of the questions of life for all ages that no one can really answer. The book of Job goes on to say : “Behold, God does all these things, twice, three times, with a man, to bring back his soul from the pit, that he may be lighted with the light of life.” Job‬ ‭33‬:‭29‬-‭30‬ ‭(ESV‬‬) There’s that word Pit again. Sometimes God has to bring us out of the “pit” we get ourselves in. Sometimes we have to make an effort to get out of the “pit” we find ourselves in. Other times we need a helping hand to get out.

I’m going to veer slightly off topic here but you will see how it connects so bear with me for a minute. I recently finished reading an awesome book. I believe I mentioned it a few blog posts back, so if you follow me you might remember me mentioning the book. At this moment I’m not going to name the book because if you read it this will give away a suspence filled moment. Two young girls snuck out of the house and went running carefree through a grassy field. They didn’t see a hidden pit that had once been a well, which had dried up. The girls fell to the bottom and one of the girls died from the impact. The other girl couldn’t get out. She noticed a bit further up the inside of the dried up well were steps along the wall, but she was not big enough to reach them. She called and called for help but no one heard her. Then came to torrential rains and the well began to slowly fill with water. She thought she would drown, but the rainwaters lifted her until she was able to reach the steps and climb out. I found that bit of story so intriguing! How many times do we find ourself in a hard situation, then something else happens and we think that will be the end of us, but somehow God uses it for good. Sometimes (okay oftentimes) life just doesn’t make sense. There are so many Pits people find themselves in. It could be an ugly divorce, losing a loved one, having a disabled child, living with limitations, accidents, mental health issues, health issues, suicide…. The list goes on and on. I know some people who have multiple issues above. How can people get out?

First let’s look at another verse in Job. “For his eyes are on the ways of a man, and he sees all his steps.”
‭‭Job‬ ‭34‬:‭21‬ ‭(ESV‬‬) God sees us where we are. He is El Roi the God who sees me. He is with us always. We are never alone. Second, God is ready to help you. It might be a supernatural kind of help. It may be help coming from a friend, family member or co-worker. Be willing to receive help if you need it. Third, God gives us strength to help ourselves. Faith takes action. I’ve seen some people who fall in a pit but do nothing to get out, instead they give excuse after excuse. You’ve got to learn to move forward and do your part. Lastly, I want to remind you that God brings peace. You may feel turmoil in your life but God is Prince of peace. Isaiah‬ ‭9‬:‭6‬ says: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
‭‭( ‭ESV‬‬) He is mighty! He is our Peace! He is a wonderful Counselor. Call out His name, Jesus. He will help you out of your pit. He will set your feet upon the rock. He will promote you and sustain you through your trials. I don’t know how but He will. Trust Him. I have to do the same.

This morning as I was praying, I just opened up and was very real with the Lord. He knows me completely anyway and I believe He delights when we come before Him with honesty. It was a little bit of a rough morning. I woke up with some pain in my back from the fracture. My eyes were very dry and crusty because I had trouble getting the eye ointment in that I have to use nightly, due to five eye surgeries. I went into the kitchen trying to open my very dry eyes. Squinting, I turned on the coffee maker to make a pot of coffee. I thought the pot was in place but it was not. Before I knew it coffee was all over the counter. I quickly turned it off. Grabbing the back brace I put it on then proceeded to clean up a big mess. Finally getting the mess cleaned, the dog fed and let outside, I sat down and just poured out my heart like that coffee that went all over the counter. My lament went up to my wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace. I began to praise God for all He is, for His provision, for His healing that we’re still waiting to manifest in the physical. People will never know the things we go through. We don’t complain, we just do it. We all need healing. We only have one driver in our family so some things are pushed aside. God knows and as I poured out my heart I felt His peace. He is the Prince of Peace.

In the next two days I will finish the book of Job and I know how his story ends. God restores him and blessed him beyond his original blessing. God will bless us too. Be faithful in the pit and make efforts to get out of it. God will see you through. Don’t give up! You are loved!

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About that Joy

January 17, 20252 Comments

Me wearing my lovely “contraption” back brace.

As promised here is my blog on Joy. Wasn’t quite expecting to work on this wearing an uncomfortable back brace. If you follow my blogs you know I slipped and fell very hard on ice last Saturday, hurting my back. I held off getting checked because I could move, there was no numbness or tingling in my limbs and no other signs of a break; however the pain and weakness in my lower back persisted. My husband Ron talked me into going to Urgent Care last night. What shocked me was being sent to ER for a CT scan and X-rays. I looked at the Dr and said, “Is this really necessary?” We thought I was just having muscle spasms but it turns out I have a compression fracture in my lumbar area of my spine. I’m to wear this back brace that keeps my spine straight and supports me for four weeks. I will follow the doctors instructions but these guys have to stop making me laugh. It hurts to laugh. Our son Joshua said, “Mom, I’m not trying to make you laugh”. I know it’s not intentional, he’s just funny. I have no problem with Joy. I laugh easily and sometimes in the face of an intense struggle. Sometimes the absurdity of a situation makes me laugh. I know that the joy of the Lord is indeed my strength. So as I sit here typing up this blog, I can’t help but laugh that my back brace comes all the way up to the top of y chest and back, with my chin resting upon the top potion of the brace. It is not comfortable but you do what you have to do. The above is a picture for you. I don’t take myself too seriously and certainly am not vain.

A few weeks ago a friend posted the following on social media, and it truly made me smile. I asked Jo Ann if I should share what she wrote and she gave me permission. She is such a strong woman of God. Her beloved husband of many years suddenly passed away a few years ago and then she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has endured much sorrow and God strengthens her and is bringing her through. She shared the following. I will use bold font for what was in her post (used with permission) ~
I didn’t realize till I started looking at scripture this morning on LAUGHTER and JOY in God‘s word there’s 115 scripture about laughter and joy…this is just a few…God wants us to LAUGH and have JOY…THROUGH OUR PAIN AND SUFFERING WE CAN STILL FIND LAUGHTER AND JOY…

Job 8:21 – “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.”

Proverbs 17:22 – “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

Ecclesiastes 3:4 – “A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.”

Luke 6:21 – “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.”

Proverbs 31:25 – “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”

Psalm 37:13 – “But the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming.”

I CHOSE TODAY JANUARY 2, 2025 TO FIND LAUGHTER AND FIND JOY NO MATTER WHAT…BECAUSE GODS WORD SAYS THAT I CAN HAVE IT. I HAVE REACH FOR IT.

I’m thankful God is filling Jo Ann with His joy and laughter. I’m beyond thankful for the joy and laughter He gives me too. You too can find joy and laughter in the midst of difficulty. Joy is one of the Fruits of the Spirit. As we trust in Jesus, He can fill us with joy unspeakable. For me, I just let things roll. I don’t take life too seriously. What people think is really of no concern, just move on. I’m an optimist, looking for the good in everything. It’s an attitude and way of life for me. Trusting God helps me find the peace, joy and strength I need for each hurdle.

Life is so full of uncertainty, but I know who holds us in the palm of His hand. Living with hearing and visual issues can be a challenge. Seeing our son Joshua endure the same is like a dagger that pierces my heart. Yes the same son that makes me laugh all the time. Recently he had a moment and in that moment he said , “How am I supposed to trust God when it’s His fault He made me this way?” Whoa! Lord how am I supposed to respond to that? I looked at him and said,
“Joshua everything God creates is very good. It’s according to His purposes not ours.” He looked at me, then looked away. It’s life! One step forward, two steps back. But I will never stop hoping, never stop believing and never stop trusting in God’s goodness. God is a Miracle working God. He is a God that heals! For me, He has healed my heart from bitterness and replaced it with Joy. I will continue to wait for manifestation of healing in the physical. His ways are so much higher than ours.

Where ever you are on your journey in life you can find joy, peace, hope and strength for each day. When God pours these things into you, be sure you pour into others. People need encouragement. When we got home from the ER last night I responded to a message a friend from high school had sent me. She’s faced some difficulty too and I wanted to encourage her in that moment to stay focused. God has us all. He will see us through. So SMILE, it does make you feel better. This too shall pass. Joy comes in the morning. Keep your chin up! You are loved!💗🙏🏼🤟🏼

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From Prison to Palace

January 8, 20254 Comments

Image found on Pinterest One of my favorite verses.

I’ve been reading through Genesis this week and the story of Joseph’s struggles always hits me. Every single time! You know the beauty from ashes kind of storyline? Joseph was Jacob’s (Israel) beloved son born in his old age. Joseph’s brothers were jealous because of his father’s love for him, the coat of many colors his father gave him and the dreams he had. They desired to kill him but threw him in a pit then decided to sell him instead. He was bought by Potiphar, Captain of the Guard of Pharaoh of Egypt. God showed Joseph great favor and he was elevated to run the household. Potiphar’s wife wrongly accused Joseph and he was thrown in prison. Genesis‬ ‭39‬:‭21 says, “But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.” (ESV‬‬)

I always find the story of Joseph so remarkable. He went through trial after trial, but through it all God was with him, showing him favor despite all the wrong treatments he endured. Joseph didn’t know one day he would be in the palace of Egypt. Each and every trial prepared him for what was next. In reading his story I see how he was faithful in each trial.

How often are we faithful through trials? There have been times in life when it seemed like one thing after another went wrong and I just wondered, God where are you? Joseph was human and likely had those fleshly moments too. In Genesis 41:46 it says, “Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh and went through all the land of Egypt.” (ESV‬‬) That is a long journey of trials and I’m sure he never thought he would end up in Pharaohs palace.

Each trial was preparation for the palace. He had to eventually be in prison to interpret Pharaoh’s Chief Cupbearer and Chief Baker’s dreams, that lead to him interpreting Pharaoh’s dream. Each hardship set him up for *advancement*.

These next two verses really show us how Joseph felt. In Egypt two sons were born to him. “Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh. “For,” he said, “God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s house.” The name of the second he called Ephraim, “For God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.”” Genesis‬ ‭41‬:‭51‬-‭52‬ ‭(ESV‬‬) Did you catch that? God had made him fruitful in the land of his affliction. God helped him forget his hardship.

Let’s think on that for a minute. How has God made us fruitful in our trials? How has God helped us to forget afflictions? I can share part of my journey. At the age of 55, I’m sitting here blogging, after a day of cooking and serving the homeless with RiceNBeans. It’s been a LONG time since I was diagnosed with optic nerve issues. It’s also been a LONG time since I lost a good portion of my hearing. There have been moments of questioning God. There have been many tears of frustration and tears of victory. While I’m still in the land of disability/affliction God enables me daily to go beyond myself and do things most people would never attempt from the sheer frustrations of it all. BUT GOD!!! Say that with me…. BUT GOD! He pours strength into me that is beyond my years. He has allowed me to endure to develop a sincere empathy and love for those hurting. He has gifted me with prayer, discernment and writing to pour into and encourage others. He enables me to let things go. He satisfies my soul. That is being in the palace!
The beauty of God’s Word is He impresses on our hearts things we each need to learn in the land of affliction. I want to encourage you to ask God to direct you as you read His Word, to help you uncover the beauty in the trials you face. There is always a hidden lesson if we are willing to seek Him in the daily grind and especially the difficulties. The next blog I plan to write about Joy. I can’t wait! There are hidden treasures to discover there. Until next time~ Blessings!

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Our greatest Hope

December 21, 2024Leave a Comment

It’s the Saturday before Christmas. As I sit here thinking, God is connecting some “dots” for me to share with you. I’m always in awe at how God puts these blogging ideas in my heart.

First, stay with me as I quickly share these “dots”. 1) Immanuel meaning God is with us. 2) Knowing many who are dealing with hard situations. 3) This Christmas season being a time of Great Joy. 4) Knowing everyone doesn’t feel that Joy 4) Tuning in to Julie Green Ministry on social media and hearing her share verses from 2 Corinthians chapter 4. (I like to challenge myself by seeing if I can follow the short reels she shares with Scriptures. This morning I understood some. ) 5) Asking Siri what Immanuel means. (I know the meaning but wanted to see what it said. While it was technically right, Siri lacked the true MEANING, God is with us.)

In Matthew 1:23 says, ““Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” (NLT) Think about that and let it sink deep within. Our God who created us, sustains us, strengthens us, counsels and comforts us, provides for us, enables us, who saves us, redeems us, who sees us…… and on and on I could go ….. is God is with us!

It’s hard to wrap our minds around spiritual truths because we humans depend on what we SEE. Accepting spiritual truths requires faith, which is simply choosing to believe what God says is true. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭1‬ ‭(KJV‬‬) God our ABBA Father wants us to have child like faith and trust Him.

It’s the Holly Jolly time of year, but truth be told not everyone experiences that Cheer. If you are one of those who is depressed or discouraged right now, let me encourage you. Look back up a few paragraphs at Matthew 1:23. Jesus born as a babe is Immanuel ~ God is with us. That should be great comfort to your heart. If you are a shut-in due to health issues, a widow or experiencing loneliness due to family being far away: whatever the situation I want to encourage you to celebrate the birth of Jesus. God is with us.

The devil goes over and beyond to try to trip us up on a daily basis. Resist his tactics. The verses I heard Julie Green share today on her social media reel are the following. “That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 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 ‭4‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭(NLT).

This might be a Blue Christmas for you if you are looking from a worldly perspective but CHIN UP!!! Don’t lose sight of the true meaning! God is with us! The Savior of the world has come and is the BEST PRESENT to help you in the present. Will you sing with me? O Come let us adore Him, O Come let us adore Him, O Come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. Fort He alone is worthy, For He alone is worthy, For He alone is worthy, Christ the Lord. We’ll give Him all the glory, We’ll give Him all the glory, We’ll give Him all the glory, Christ the Lord

Have a blessed weekend. Whatever you do. If you fall down get back up. Don’t beat yourself up if you think you fall short. None of us are without fault. We all need encouragement. Praise God for His mercy and grace. We all need to reach outside of ourselves and our little orbit of life and touch others for the glory of God. Much love and prayers.

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What do you see?

December 8, 2024Leave a Comment

A picture to double check that I found the right items

I had planned to blog on Epic Shenanigans but writing about my oddball antics of dealing with life didn’t seem so appealing at the moment. On second thought, sharing some recent antics actually ties in to “What do you see, vs that plus the backstory.”

So here goes with a glimpse of Life as I live it. Friday afternoon had been busy. I had needed to pick up a few things from the grocery store but Mom and I ran out of time. She had needed to find some gifts so we focused on getting her gifts found then she took me home. She doesn’t like to drive after it’s dark.

Mom had one more gift to purchase and I suggested a store at the other end of the shopping strip. I had to find a glaze in a craft store. We didn’t have much time before it would start getting dark so we decided to split ways. Truth be told, I did need help in the craft store but I decided to wing it (get it done myself) Walking into the craft store, I located a clerk. They wear red vests so that wasn’t too hard. I showed her a picture of what I needed and explained I couldn’t hear or see well. I must say, she handled that information pretty well. We finally found what I needed and a paint brush. She also directed me to where the ribbons were. I finally found a ribbon I thought would work then proceeded to the checkout area. I reached the front of the store and my heart sank, all the registers had been changed to self checkout, which I detest. You need to be able to see to do self checkout. Someone please inform retailers because they apparently have no clue about accessibility. Anyway…. I told the store manager and he assured me there was one checkout with an employee who would check my items out. Paying for the items, I walked to the store mom was shopping in. Now to find her. I said a little prayer and shortly after, found her at the checkout register.

It was twilight so I told her she should just take me home. I still needed those things from the store to make desserts for a party the next night, but I would ask my husband Ron to take me. Arriving home, my little family of three found ourselves hungry but not wanting to go out again. Ron and our son Joshua decided to get take out. I mentioned to Ron that he could drop me off at Harris Teeter grocery store. I would get the ingredients I needed while he picked up dinner, then he’d swing back around to get me. I assured him I could do it. (Side note, with me having low vision, Ron is usually the one who finds things in the store. I make a list and he finds them) As he dropped me off, I walked in the grocery store, opened my iPad and began using the camera to find what I needed. I did find everything and ran into him in the produce section. He had forgotten to tell me he wanted some bananas. As we were in the check out line, I said, “Just think, if the people see the security footage in the store, they will say; There’s that iPad girl again. What is she doing looking at everything through the iPad camera lens and even taking pictures before putting items in her cart? Interesting.” Ron just laughed. If people only knew.

So you see a situation, or a person for that matter, but until you know the backstory you are missing a lot of information. How often we see things and make judgements, not knowing the real situation. It’s so important to look deeper at situations Honestly most people don’t care and don’t want to take the time. That’s ok too. I mean really, what can we say?

Ron said to me last night, “You are a real Christian.” I replied, “I’m not perfect. I make mistakes just like everyone else. I need God’s grace just like everyone does.” I do really desire to be consistent. Letting people see Jesus in me is my reason for existing. Half the time I think I might have it a bit easier because I don’t have all the distractions normal people have. Then again, the limitations and winging my way through them can be kind of a cruel joke. I suppose it’s a matter of how you look at it.

If you are the person looked at let me encourage you to not worry about what people think. Yo do you! Do what you need to do to get your things accomplished. (Well of course, don’t break the law while attempting it!) Be strong! Be courageous! God is our strength and ever present help at all times. It does take humility to admit that. It’s worth the humble pie.Tust me, there is no room for pride here. I need help. If you’re honest, you need help in some areas too.

If you are the one doing the observing and passing judgements, look a little deeper. Not everything is superficial. Practice empathy and try walking in that persons shoes. Show grace! There is always room for grace! There is always room for kindness.

We are all humans. If you look so carefully at someone’s life, make sure you place yourself under that same lens. There is usually way more than meets the eye. The backstory can reveal truths that might just blow your mind. Take the time.

In Psalms 119,David wrote, “Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.” Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭18‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) We can discover such abundant riches in God’s Word. It’s His instructions for dealing with life. As we study the Bible, God reveals Himself and His perspective to us. May our eyes be enlightened to His truth as we live to bring glory to His name. Have a wonderful week!
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The Potters Wheel

November 19, 2024November 19, 2024Leave a Comment

Thanks to Amy for snapping this picture of me trying out her Potters Wheel

Today I was able to experience something I’ve wanted to experience for quite a while. A couple of weeks ago Mom and I went to a Christmas craft show where a friend of mine was selling her pottery and jewelry. She is the Real Deal as she makes her bowls and pottery from clay on her potters wheel. I’ve always wanted to try it to see what it’s like.

Years ago I made Christmas ornaments with an American Sign Language (ASL) “I love you” cookie cutter. About 31 years ago I worked as a teachers assistant at a preschool for deaf children. Making the “I love you” ornaments was one of the crafts we did. Back then we made the clay from flour, salt and water. The dough always got stuck in the fingers of the cookie cutter. About 15 years ago I decided to make a bunch of the “I love you” ASL ornaments. Honestly it was rather hard and I never tried it again. I was telling my friend Amy about these ornaments and asked if she’d help me make some with clay. Today was the day when I went over and she showed me some tricks of the trade. I wasn’t sure how I’d do since my vision is worse than it was years ago. She patiently showed me how to use the tools and I brought my cookie cutters with me. I was able to do it and it was so much fun. I wanted to put my great niece and great nephews names on four of them and she did that part for me. I will go another day to paint them.

Here is one of the ornaments. Amy stenciled the name on for me.

After finishing the ornaments, I asked her about the potters wheel and she let me give it a try. Wow that is some work of art!!! It gave me a new appreciation for the work she does. She explained that the clay had to be centered and it felt a certain way when it was. It’s hard to explain and I couldn’t get it centered. She did it quickly and showed me how to make a bowl. I asked if I was doing it right and she said ”No”, but it was my creation so I could make whatever. It was a fun experience.

When I think of a Potters Wheel, I honestly think of God creating us. Take a moment to grab your Bible and look at the first eleven verses of Jeremiah chapter 18. God tells Jeremiah to go down to a potters shop and watch the potter work at the wheel shaping a jar. Look at verse 4: “But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so he crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over.” Jeremiah‬ ‭18‬:‭4‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Today I got to experience this. As Amy was demonstrating how to make a bowl, then let me try it, mine didn’t turn out so well. She said it would break when it dried, so I asked her if I should start it over and she said “yes”. I crushed it back down and started again.

It is so incredible to experience things that symbolize God’s power to shape and mold us as His creation. He has the power to define, shape and use us for His pleasure and glory. I can honestly say I really enjoyed the experience and can only imagine the satisfaction Amy must feel when her creations turn out as she desires.

I’m not a Bucket list kind of person. I mean, I don’t actually have a “list” but there are some things I’d like to one day try and today’s experience was one of them. I have such awe of God and His artistic abilities. He is the Master Potter, the Master painter, and every other creative title you can imagine. It literally blows my mind to just think of every thing God has taken such delight in designing and making for His pleasure.

That clay can be really touch. Amy showed me how to get the air bubbles out. Pressing and adding pressure, turning it over and over. It’s kind of hard to describe. Just think of how God has to take us through times of pressure and difficulty to “get the bubbles out” The clay has to be molded just right. When doing the ornaments, she showed me how to put the clay through a presser (I don’t know what it’s called) to flatten it out just right and at the correct thickness before I could cut it. I don’t know about you, but I feel like I’ve been through God’s Presser multiple times to get me to the right “thickness” before shaping me with the cookie cutter of His choice. That’s the beauty of creating something.

We are God’s creation. I’ve often struggled with the question of. “Why did you make me this way?” Having both hearing and visual difficulties due to having nerves that don’t work as they should. On top of that, passing it along to my son. I t has been one of the pressing / cutting things in life. Here’s where the BUT GOD comes in. Psalms 139: 13‬-‭14‬ says, “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.”(NLT) It’s not too fun to be so unique but who am I to tell my Creator how to make me? I get put through a Presser of challenging situations quite often. I’m learning to see them before they come and say a prayer, “God this is the part I don’t like and I’m going to need Your help to shine through this for You glory.” I hope in some way He is glorified through my attempts.

Tomorrow will be another one of those Pressers. Tomorrow I will go to my friend Tami’s house and help with the cooking for RiceNBeans ministry for our homeless friends in Rock Hill. The cooking is fun and we talk and catch up. When it’s time to head to Rock Hill, I am out of my comfort zone. Sure I can serve up a meal but when it comes to communicating with the people I feel so inadequate. I smile and ask all I see if they would like a meal. We have been doing this since around March and many of them know I can’t hear or see really well. I can only hope and pray it encourages them to press through the situations that have them on the streets or living in shelters. Pray that being a Light for Jesus will direct them to the SOURCE of that light, which is Jesus Himself.

Sorry so long and so deep. God touches my heart through life experiences and I wanted to share with you this neat experience today. If you’d like to read my testimony you can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover, soft cover and ebook formats.) All for the glory of God.
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Enjoy the Journey

October 29, 2024October 29, 2024Leave a Comment

I am sitting here kind of chuckling because in this highly divisive time we are living in, I’m sitting here getting ready to blog about “enjoying the journey”. Trust me, we sure can. Deep breath hang here with me please. Life is definitely not a “bed of roses” as they say. When we have a “bed of pretty roses”, rest assure there are some thorns in there as well. You’ve got to find ‘em and clip ‘em. There is always something or someone who is waiting to steal our peace and joy. The trick is to find those things and just “steer clear” of them. For example, if the news you watch leaves you feeling unsettled, turn it off and tune in to God and His Word. That is the surest way to welcome peace into your life. I’ve done that recently. Well honestly I make a point of prioritizing my time with Jesus. I just function much better when I make that daily choice.

Yesterday as life would have it, Ron and I were getting on each others nerves. If you’ve been married over 30 plus years, you will understand. Sometimes we just don’t see “eye to eye” and respond accordingly. Well it just so happened I was wearing a shirt that said “Spread Kindness”. Our son Joshua came up to me and read my shirt out-loud. I said “Yes, and it starts with me”. It’s important to see yourself honestly and how you come across to others and make adjustments accordingly. I know when I’m being a bit short with someone. I actually ask the Holy Spirit to check me and show me when I’m wrong. I always want to be humble and teachable. That too is part of enjoying the journey.

There are always conflicts to navigate. Conflict resolution is part of the journey. I don’t prefer to avoid people but can certainly do without the sticky issues. Politics is one of those. Oh my goodness! What a divisive topic and people are “diehard” party followers. I choose to vote policy. This afternoon I got on social media and saw some people debating on a post I had shared. Oh boy! As I read through the comments I began to sing I Speak Jesus. As I read the comments, I tried to picture each person and their hearts. I spoke PEACE over them all and explained my point of view. That is part of conflict resolution, hearing the other person. You don’t have to agree with me, I just ask you to look at the policies and see what you agree with and vote accordingly. Respecting others point of view is necessary for enjoying the journey. Together we stand, divided we fall.

Another aspect of enjoying the journey is not getting stuck on your emotional rollercoaster. Today our Bible study group wrapped up a lesson on lamenting. God invites us to humbly pour out our feelings to Him so He can help us sort through the emotions and disappoints and move forward. In this weeks lesson one of the things that stood out to me was using the words YET I will. Habakkuk”s prayer in chapter 3 is an eye opener. Here’s the second verse, If you have a chance look up the entire chapter. It is refreshing. “I have heard all about you, Lord. I am filled with awe by your amazing works. In this time of our deep need, help us again as you did in years gone by. And in your anger, remember your mercy.” Habakkuk‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Then a bit later in the chapter it says, “Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.”
‭‭Habakkuk‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬-‭19‬ ‭(NLT‬‬). Can I just say WOW. There are three “even thoughs” then a YET I WILL. It is like a flashlight beam of HOPE in an otherwise dark dark night. YET I WILL rejoice in the Lord. I will be joyful of the God of my salvation!

Jennifer Rothchild taught this particular week in “When you pray”. (Lifeway study) She is blind and her message was very enlightening. She challenged us in day 5 of this week to write our own version of Habakkuk (lament): Even though___, even though___, even though____, YET____, He enables me to_____. Can you fill in those blanks? Oh my! What an exercise that was. Let me be honest here. Here is mine.
Even though I don’t understand why You allow me to live with hearing and vision loss and it brings loneliness and sorrow: Even though You have allowed our son to be born with similar issues and it honestly breaks my heart though Lord you know I push it down, way way down and deal, Even though we live in a fallen evil world where deceiption and sin are in our faces at every turn and Your people are holding on to You, YET I will trust in Your sovereignty, Your love, wisdom and perfect plan. You enable me (us) to over come through Your power. You never leave us and You never forsake us. We are Yours and You are ours. Amen! And I was wearing another shirt today that says Stronger than the storm Gotta love it. It’s all part of Enjoying the Journey. Walk with Jesus. Let Him show us the way. Let Him correct us when we are wrong. Let Him encourage us and comfort us in our weaknesses so we can comfort and encourage others in the same way we have been comforted.

Enjoy the Journey.
Be blessed!
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