#pressthrough – Page 8 – rootedbythewater.blog

Truth be told

April 20, 2023Leave a Comment

I’ve been meaning to write this since last weekend but I’m glad I put it off until now. An unexpected inspiration has given me new insight. “God winks”, those unexpected things that give me a little boost.

A few days ago I wrote this blogs title “Truth be told” and underneath it I typed the word inadequacy. Last weekend I celebrated my 54 th birthday. That’s a long time of being hearing and visually limited. While I don’t typically dwell on the limitations, a few situations sharpened my sense of inadequacy and left me feeling out of sorts. It’s a rare day when I share these things, but if it enlightens people to be compassionate to others around them then maybe it’s worth sharing.

Truth be told, many limitations are not easily seen. Truth be told, what appears normal may actually not be. (If that makes any sense.) Here are the things that flustered me last weekend. Mom and I had brunch at a new place called Poppyseed Kitchen. Our waitress recognized me and said , “I’m Coleman’s sister.” Coleman is our sons friend and I had not seen either of his sisters in a few years. The combination of an unexpected encounter and my limited vision can be embarrassing to say the least.

On Sunday we had a spontaneous day. We decided to go to our early church service so we could go hear my nephew preach at his late service. We never go to our early service so there was no sign language interpreter since they weren’t expecting me. I never expect life to be catered to me. I just go and in some way it ends up being a blessing. The blessing of the early service was my husbands attempt to help me understand. It was really sweet. We did a dash to my nephews church, where he is the Youth Pastor. I saw my mom. brother and his mother in law. Mom signed for me which was a blessing. After the service we saw my nephews daughter and her other Grandma. However I did not recognize my nephews wife. I inched over to Ron to discretely ask, “Who is that?” It is terribly embarrassing. I recognize people by sizes, shape, haircolor, style, and any distinguishable features. I can’t usually see detail on faces, unless I am very close By the time I recognize people it is usually too late.

Truth be told, I love people and if I could hear and see well, what a social butterfly I would be. But alas my hearing and vision are limited which sets me way back. It’s frustrating. A few tears just escaped my eyes. My limitations are not visible yet they keep me away from people unless the people are keen and compassionate to what I’m missing.

This morning as I was reading the Bible I came across Psalms 8:3-4, “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, “What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him?” (NKJV). I know God sees me in my limitations. He knows my needs and will provide in one way or another. Today He provided me with some inspiration.

As I was waiting for my husband to come pick me up I went out on our front porch. I wanted to see if I could see the Momma bird sitting on her nest on our bakers rack. A month or so ago, I was cleaning the front porch and discovered a well made empty birds nest. I figured it was from last year so I threw it away and rearranged the porch furniture. A few days later I noticed a little mess. The bird had begun building another nest! Such resilience! A few days ago I took a picture and zoomed in to see if the bird was on her nest. I couldn’t tell but Ron could! He showed me where the birds head and wings were and where the nest was in the picture. Oh what luxury to have good sight! So as I walked out on the porch today the bird flew away. I went back inside to grab my iPad to take a picture. I was curious if any eggs were in the nest. I took a picture and zoomed in. My heart filled with wonder and joy to discover two bird eggs. While the momma bird was surely watching from nearby to make sure her eggs stayed safe, my Abba Father is just as surely watching over me. Life is full of challenges and uncertainties but God is always there ready to strengthen and encourage us. We must take our focus off the problems and put them on God. I love this reminder, “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬)

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!

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Springing into Spring

April 14, 2023Leave a Comment

This has been such a BUSY week and I’ve sprung right into whatever came at me. Might have sprung a bit too much as I am now alternating ice and heat on my lower back. Lord remind me that I’m going to be 54 tomorrow and not 25. Mom saw a coffee cup a while back that said “My mind thinks I’m 25 but my body says I’m an idiot.“ Yep! I need that cup!

Spring brings change and sometimes change isn’t too fun. Ron took the plunge and bought us a new stove/ oven. Truth be told we needed it two years ago. He can alway fix whatever is broken but the old stove parts were no longer made. I had been sticking my pinky into this hole to turn the heat up to the right temperature. One time I nearly pulled the oven door off trying to get something out of the oven, so this new updated appliance was much needed. I let Ron pick it out. I just wanted it to have an air fryer feature and the controls to be on the near side so I can see them. The controls behind the burners are a “no go” for me. With low vision I can’t see them. We welcomed a shiny new stainless steel appliance last week. It is so shiny it reflects things and makes it hard to see even with the dials inches from my face. This thing is intimidating. I avoided using it for a few days besides brewing tea. I made things in the crockpot. Last Monday I decided it was time to figure this out. I took pictures of the controls with my iPad and zoomed in. I saw a little bit but it was so different than the old one. I wanted to have dinner ready for Ron Monday night and was stressed out trying to figure this device out. Nearly burned his dinner and I rarely have done that in 29 years of marriage. Ron was gracious and ate his well cooked, I mean over cooked dinner. Afterwards we had a little lesson to learn how to use the new device. I still can’t see it. I can feel a click on the dials and can watch the burners. I can feel a line on the dial for the off setting. Turning dials left is low temperature. Turning the dial right is high and the between is well in between. T he oven control panel I have to memorize but I told him I would make it work. That was on Monday.

Tuesdays are the days I go volunteer at the Food Pantry. Afterwards Mom and I split some lunch at Brix then went to a plant nursery in Rock Hill. We love Wilson’s plant nursery. Mom missed the exit off the interstate so I used my iPad to get us there the back way. Forgetting my iPad is directly synced to my cochlear implant device, I could hear the navigation but she couldn’t. Seeing my error, I disconnected and made sure she could hear it. We got there and were not disappointed. That place is full of life and beautiful plants. She found her plants and helped me find a few I wanted. I went in search of a trellis for a flowering vine. Found the trellis but couldn’t find her in the sea of colored flowers. She was wearing a deep red and white striped shirt so I looked and looked. She was camouflaged right in with the plants. Finally she found me and we left. (Side note… that happened again yesterday at Lowe’s. The “watering people” were out with their hoses. It was nearly an obstacle course, popping wheelies with her cart to get over hoses and she was wearing green! You don’t realize how much green is in Lowe’s until you are looking for a green shirt to find someone!)

I don’t mention all this for pity. My life is like a comic book. Yes there are many limitations but God has given me a drive to embrace life “head on”. You take what you have and you get it done.

Ron surprised me when I got home on Tuesday late afternoon. He had gotten a bunch of bags of mulch for our natural areas. Miracles happen y’all! It’s been 4-5 years since he got some. Happy birthday to me! I don’t know if this is my birthday present but I sure am one happy girl. With the color contrast, I can now see the weeds! He laid down most of it but Wednesday morning while he was at work, I decided to get the remaining bags laid down to help him out. Once I was finished I realized it would be a good idea to buy a back support brace. My friend Leasa came by to get me and we went to Home Depot and found the perfect back support brace. We both bought one.

My friend Leasa and me with our new back support braces 😂

Yesterday I promised Mom I would help her with her mulch. Mom is 80 and she loves her yard. She told me when she and Dad planted everything years ago they didn’t think about getting old. She ordered a pallet of mulch over a week ago but everyone’s schedule has been so different and we had not been able to get together to lay it out for her. I told my brother and Mom I’d go get started to help with the process. Below is a screenshot of me and my brother Forrest’s text. When the guys were able to come later, I had used the wagon to lay out the bags of mulch in the natural areas surrounding the house. I wore my new back brace and was willing. God provided the energy, determination, a beautiful day and wonderful breeze. Even Mom picked up bags of mulch, much to my dismay. I told her to let me do it and she stared me down. OKAY, do whatever you want. I’m thankful I come from a strong line of “Tough Cookies”. My brother and nephew spread it all out until we ran out of bags. We got it done! So thankful!

Bottom line, don’t be afraid to get dirty, maybe look a bit foolish but give it your best try. What you do with what you’ve got isn’t in vain. Team work and family are awesome!

Thank you Lord for an awesome, adventurous tiring week. It’s been productive and good. 50,648 steps on four days. Whew! Today is a pajama day but I will probably get up and get moving. Don’t sit on the sidelines of life. Have an awesome weekend. Get out and enjoy Spring!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Don’t spill the beans!

March 17, 2023Leave a Comment

While I normally don’t “spill the beans”. Yesterday I did. Allowing others to see brokenness is never a fun thing. It’s uncomfortable and vulnerable. Because of my hurts and brokenness I have a passion for encouraging others and praying for them. If I can bring a smile and lift someone’s heart, directing them to Jesus, its worth it. Trouble arises when I look at my brokenness rather than Jesus.

Yesterday at my Bible study we covered two women of the Bible: Ruth and Hannah. The study on Hannah hit me hard. I’ve never thought of myself as barren. God has blessed us with a son. As we did the study this week on Hannah, I saw there are other kinds of barrenness. As I sat at my video magnifier two days ago finishing up the lesson, tears were rolling down my cheeks. I thought, “Lord why do I have to sit at this machine to do this study? I’d like to be able to see the book and write the answers without something largely magnifying it. So like Hannah, I was focused on what I couldn’t do: complete the lesson without aids. I want to see well, comprehend well, not constantly be trying to fill in the blanks of what I’m not seeing or hearing/ comprehending. I thought I’d dealt with these things but it appears to be deep rooted. This study on Hannah “picked the scab off of my wound”.

It was hard showing my Bible study sisters the items I had checked off for my areas of barrenness. Four of the items I checked were employment, ministry, health (visual and hearing) and pleasure. I think my sisters were surprised I checked off ministry since I blog. The thing about writing, I do it home alone. It doesn’t really seem like ministry because I don’t see the fruits from it, however God does. I told them I can’t do this alone. God gives me the patience for the process that is so frustrating, it is downright amusing. Maybe one day I should get someone to video the process of me blogging on a touch screen iPad. Type, then zoom to see what I’ve typed, see typos galore, zoom, unzoom, over and over until God has enabled me to pour it out in writing. It’s not a fun process and it is time consuming, but if it encourages someone to keep putting one foot in front of the other, you know, keep moving forward… its worth it. It still hurts.

They were also surprised I checked off pleasure. I have learned to be content in my situation. Well in all honesty I guess its more like I try to be content. I can’t see like normal people. It’s so hard to explain. I see some but I don’t see it all. I miss a whole lot! I am blessed with sweet friends. My friend Leasa is especially sensitive to what I might not be seeing. S he texts me to go to the store or lunch. I ask her the different things opening in the shopping centers. I can see the signs but I usually can’t read them. I guess I don’t know half of what I’m really missing.

I could go on and on here but that’s not the point. The point is that I realized, just like Hannah I was looking at the ”barren” issues instead of Jesus. I don’t consider myself a bitter person but deep down there are things I strongly desire: Good vision, connection with people, being able to hear and comprehend.

This morning as I prayed I said, “Lord can you trust me with healing?” In my spirit I heard, “Can you trust me without it? Lord get me to the place of surrender where I can honestly say YES! I always say Jesus is more than enough. After this study He has much more work to do in my heart so I can fully surrender. One day, God willing, I can totally put it all on the altar and leave it there. Just looking to Jesus and all He is and not on what I perceive I’m missing.

What about you, do you have areas of barrenness in your life? It could be in relationships, finances, love, respect just to name a few. As I type this a song has come to mind that I have not heard in years. It’s amazing how the Lord brings music to my heart from years ago when I could hear much better. If I can find the song and video I will add it to the end of this blog. Let’s pour out our hearts, our hurts, our brokenness to Jesus and allow Him to do what only He can do… bring peace and joy once again.

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. 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.

Now let me go find that song. Went online and even texted a friend, trying to find the song. It was a little “ goose chase” but I found it. Friend Indeed by Billy and Sarah Gaines. Take a listen. Whew.. it’s a old one and might show my age but the lyrics are spot on. Here’s the link. Enjoy!

Www.shannonkhinson.com
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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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I’m in Awe🙌

February 9, 2023Leave a Comment

This morning as I let our dog outside I noticed the milder temperature and decided to have my quiet time out on the back porch. As I watched the sun rise I prayed and thanked God for all He is! I am always awestruck by nature. The heavens declare the glory of the Lord. Whether it be a sunrise, sunset or the beautiful moon, I delight in seeing them all. I can no longer see the stars. I’ve always wanted to look through a telescope to see the beauty of the night sky.

This week has been much milder and brings anticipation of Spring. My daffodils are coming up and there are buds on my tulip tree. Spring makes my heart so happy. After the dead season of winter, things come back to life. I stand in awe of you Lord. In the beauty of the sunrise. Then it’s suddenly hidden by a cloud. The beauty is still there, it’s just momentarily covered up. My heart sings praises to you Lord even though I have no idea what this day will hold. I do know you hold this day and that is enough. Jehovah sShalom my peace!

Not only does God’s creation inspire me but also seeing His hand at work in our lives, For months we have fought an insurance company on a situation arising from Ron’s eye surgery last summer. The insurance company gave us the “run around” and did not do what they were supposed to do, That left us with a very large hospital bill that we were never supposed to pay. In December Ron ‘s doctor told him he was glad Ron was fighting it. This has been a huge weight but I kept reminding Ron that God had it all covered. This week we got a letter from the hospital that the our balance is 0! ZERO! Ron was awestruck and had me to read it just to confirm. Indeed the balance has been written off and we owe nothing! We serve an AWESOME GOD!

Excuse me as I have a moment of worship….. I stand I stand in Awe of you… I stand I stand in awe of you ..🙌. Haven’t heard that song in years but my heart started praising so I looked it up for yu all. Never give up praying. When things seem impossible, that’s the perfect time for God to show up and show you that He is always able. Nothing is impossible with God.

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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)

Real life detour

January 22, 20232 Comments

Going to take a little detour in my blog post today since life took a little detour this morning. This past week was extremely busy for me. Monday I had an appointment with my audiologist then Bible study with my neighbor Val . Tuesday I volunteered at the food pantry. Wednesday I helped a friend. Thursday was another Bible study with my deaf friends ( an one hearing) Friday I helped my husband with insurance things and cleaned house. Yesterday was book club day, then I spent the afternoon with my mom. Last night I was so exhausted, my husband actually laughed.

This may not sound like much to you but if you take into consideration the fact that I am legally blind and hear “some” with a cochlear Implant, it was a lot for me. (Worth every minute though) With all my Bible studies and personal reading my quiet time one morning was three hours long. I told my mom I felt like I was in college again. Last night I asked my husband Ron if we could watch church online this morning.

This morning I woke up before the birds. I’m a early riser. After having time in prayer and reading the Bible, Ron was still asleep so I checked out the early online church service. Central Church had a guest speaker today and I could not follow him. I tried watching Fort Mill Church of God online. I could follow the music but not the Pastor. I even tried my brothers church online service and couldn’t follow his pastor either. That one was even captioned but I have to zoom in so big on my iPad I can’t follow as fast as they speak. All I can say is, I was determined to try and try, I certainly did. My friend Amy texted me and I was telling her about trying and not understanding. Spur of the moment she asked if I wanted to go to Fort Mill Church of God with her. The very service I had just been trying to follow. I woke up Ron and he said for me to go and have a good time, so I went. I think I beat my personal record in getting ready for church FAST!

I had not been in that church in several years. I volunteer at the food pantry there and am involved in the woman’s book club but we go to church at Central because there is always an interpreter and I don’t have to worry about understanding. Today was like old times with Amy interpreting for me. She too is deaf and hears with a cochlear Implant but she can see good and lip read. She really has a gift with sign language and how she kept up with Pastor King is amazing. That was my first time hearing him preach. He’s very anointed, very good and a VERY FAST speaker! T he music was beautiful and my tears flowed freely as I worshiped. Such a sweet presence of the Lord was there.

Moral of this story, you never know what the day holds. When God opens a door, be willing to dive in. He is always leading us forth in victory. What a beautiful morning it was even though it’s cold and rainy. God always shines through! So Blessed!

Eyes wide open

January 18, 2023Leave a Comment

A couple of days ago I blogged on Something new. Today I would like to pick up on this topic but go in a different direction. When God is doing something new it can be unnerving. Some people don’t like change. In order to grow in life, we have to embrace Gods plan and be willing to follow Him.

This morning I had an extra long quiet time and it was so refreshing. A friend sent me some sermon notes on a sermon she heard this past Sunday. The sermon was about Jesus healing Bartimaeus the blind beggar. (Mark 10: 46-52) The pastor apparently used this story to teach on moving with God despite obstacles in life. The story of Bartimaeus always resonates with me because I am legally blind. If you throw hearing impairment in the picture,that’s me. I love how Bartimaeus did not listen to the crowds when they told him to hush but shouted even louder. He pushed past what the people thought. When Jesus stopped and called him, he threw off his cloak and went to Jesus. After Jesus healed him, he followed Jesus. The cloak that identified him as a blind beggar was left behind. He wasn’t afraid but moved forward into what Jesus had for him.

Often times people are afraid to move into the unknown. 2 Timothy 1‬:‭7‬ says, “For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline.” (ASV‬‬). If God is guiding you, walk by faith and move past any obstacles. God is able to move things out of your path so you can keep walking with Him. Nothing is impossible with God! Mark 10:27

As God opens new doors in your life, don’t be afraid! Move forward in faith. Don’t let others perceptions hinder you. Put your eyes on the prize, Jesus! “Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses.”
‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

There is much more to say but I will save it for another time. 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.

Something new

January 16, 20231 Comment

Over the last few days I have taken some notes of scripture I’ve read, sensing it was something to blog on. As I sat down a few minutes ago, I said, “Okay Lord what do you want me to say?” Seriously I did! I never want it to be about me, but rather what the Lord is doing around me. I delight in the things God opens my eyes, heart and understanding to receive.

I start each day in prayer and reading Gods Word. Well in all honesty, the first thing I do each morning is put my Advanced Bionics Marvel cochlear implant processor on, then feed our dog Joy. She would stare me down if I didn’t. Once she has had her breakfast, I get lost in prayer and Gods Word. Psalms‬ ‭143‬‬:‭8 says, “Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you”.‭‭(‬ ‭NLT‬‬). This routine sets the course for each day.

I am really enjoying the New Living Translation Bible. This week one of the passages I read was Isaiah 43‬‬:‭18‬-‭ 19, “But forget all that— it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. (‭‭‭‬ ‭‬NLT‬‬) The English Standard Version says it this way. ““Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭18-19‬ ‭(ESV‬‬). This is so encouraging! The Lord is telling us He is doing something new. He wants us to forget about the past. Behold, He is doing a new thing. Open your eyes to see what God is up to. He is at work all around us.

Life can seem like a “wasteland” or “ wilderness“. Those words depict a dry season in life where you just push through each day. Every day is just another cycle of the same old thing: Not growing or seeming to go nowhere in life. But in these verses in Isaiah, God is telling us He will make a way in the wilderness. He is bringing forth rivers in the wasteland. God is doing a new thing! Open you eyes!

Forget the past. Be willing to embrace what God is doing around you, in you and through your circumstances. When He said He is making a way through the wilderness, He is leading you. Will you follow Him? He says Hie will provide rivers in the wasteland, that’srefreshing in those hard times. Will you have to go through them? Yes but you won’t go through it alone. The Lord is guiding you and restoring you along the way.

He is always up to something. He is doing a new thing. I will pick up on this again in a few days. I want to meditate on this and ask the Lord to show me more. I’m excited to see what God has in store.

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St-re-tc-hi-ng me

December 10, 2022Leave a Comment

It’s the season for parties and gatherings of all sizes. Tis the season of stretching me! Im not a groups kind of person. I love people but with limited hearing and vision its always a challenge as I try to navigate the social environment.

Today I had two Christmas events to attend with my mom. My husband had to work, so mom and I went to our Lit & Latte Book Club Christmas party and a ladies event at her church. We love our book club friends. Truth be told, I don’t hear very much of the discussion and kind of have to watch movements to figure out who is speaking. However they know me, my limitations, my story and love me anyway. The ladies event at moms church was a real stretch. I will guess there were over 100 ladies there. Some I had not seen in years. It was great to see them all again but these social settings are truly out of my comfort zone. Thankfully we sat front and center, so I could sort of see what was happening. Knowing my limitations I have to approach these things with a sense of openness and adventure. Everyone likely comes away from these things with different senses of pleasure. For me it was the joy of recognizing the worship songs when I can’t see the lyrics on the screen. As I raised my hand to worship Jesus, tears slid down my cheeks. I may not have gleamed much from the message because I couldn’t quite comprehend what she was saying but my heart heard the worship and I gave in to that precious gift.

As the festivities continue over the next couple of weeks, there will be more gatherings. Christmas can be challenging for some people. Whether it’s because of physical limitations, or pressures coming from expectations. Give yourself a break. Give the gift of you. Your presence, your smile, hugs, kindness are all gifts. Go with an open heart. Even if you feel broken, God will meet you there. You might feel stretched but if you are really honest about the important things, you will be blessed by giving the gift of you!

Oh come let us adore Him. oh come let us adore Him, oh come let us adore Him..Christ The Lord!

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