#pressthrough – Page 8 – rootedbythewater.blog

SHAKE ME

October 25, 20221 Comment

If life was like an Etch A Scetch…..

Sometimes we need a good shaking from the Lord. A good shake will clear all the creative mess we make. If we’ve learned anything from previous explorations with the etch a sketch, after a shaking or clearing, if we leave the controls alone there is peace and stillness.

Wouldn’t it be awesome if life was that simple. Just think, when situations or circumstances become messy, just a good shake would clear it all away. That’s wishful thinking.

Life has been a bit stressful lately. What’s new? It seems like a curve ball is always coming up around the corner and catches us off guard . That’s pretty much the story of my life. This latest scenario has tested not only my patience but also my husbands.

My Optelec video magnifier that I’ve been using for 15 years stopped working. I use that machine to see recipes, directions on food packaging, paying the bills, balancing the checkbook and even simply writing. Bottom line, I need it to see for daily functional living and it’s been broke for weeks.

Ron is very mechanically inclined and usually can fix anything. He contacted the company who makes it and they sent instructions on how to disassemble it. He was excited and after talking to someone at the company, ordered the part they thought would fix it. The part was over $500 but that’s way less than a new machine. We waited a week for the part to come in and found out that was not the problem The next part to try is the camera feature to the tune of $2000. Lord give us wisdom to know how to fix this or to get a new one. We could use a good boost of endurance as Ron is doing some of the things I’ve always done.

Meanwhile life continues to happen. Ron took me to my appointment yesterday with my new primary doctor. I’ve seen the same doctor since I was in college but this new one is just two miles from us and was recommended by a friend. She was awesome. We were happy with the whole experience until checking out. Whoa what a sour grape we dealt with. Ron told me later the woman kept telling him to pull his mask up while I was telling him to pull it down. Lord only knows what she was saying to me, because she was all masked up and Ron was too, I could not follow. I told Ron he should have told me. The American Disabilities Act would have come in handy and I would have nicely given her a piece of my mind. She has to learn to be gracious to different types of patients. Communication barriers are no joke. Goodness gracious! She gave us a bunch of forms to fill out. (Remember my broken machine? ) I am in their system and have a patient portal with all my information available to her at the touch of a computer mouse.

This is life! This is us! It takes an abundance of patience. Lord help me be gracious! I spent time in prayer last night and went to bed early. This morning I spent time in prayer again. As I prayed I told the Lord there were so many things but He already knew of them all. He knows the frustrations of dealing with people. He knows the abundance of patience it takes and He knows my weaknesses. This morning I felt in my heart I was to “Be Still”. Just “be still” and worship all that He is. Just “Be Still” and know that He is God. Today is a new day with fresh mercies. It’s a clean slate. Tomorrow is gone with its troubles. There will always be people to deal with and situations to maneuver. Move on and let it go!

May God bless you today in whatever you face. May you see Him smiling and encouraging you as you look to Him. Whatever you do, keep moving forward. It is tempting to throw in the towel and say “I’m done”. Don’t do it! Our purpose is to bring glory to God. We can’t
bring Him glory when we quit but we can bring Him much glory when we surrender and push through by His Spirit. Let’s hit that next curve ball out of the park! Let’s go!

If you enjoyed this blog please subscribe. I share life lessons, struggles living with hearing and visual impairments. It’s my purpose to bring God glory in my daily struggles. My autobiography Rooted by the Water cam be found on Amazon.

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Be a Miracle

October 7, 20222 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

The Harvest

September 29, 20221 Comment

Last Sunday was a busy day at the apple orchard in Spruce Pine NC. This was my first experience in an apple orchard and I marveled at the fact I could see many apples on many trees. Having low vision all my life, I’m not used to seeing such detail. I went with four friends and we decided to take a wagon ride through the orchard first to learn history of the area and the orchard itself. All the friends with me are deaf but one can lip read so well, she interpreted what the tour guide said. We all listened with keen interest but once the tractor had pulled us into the orchard I turn around and just absorbed the beauty of the experience.

The orchard has a gorgeous backdrop of mountains. I was sitting in the front corner of the wagon and turned staring in awe. Tree after tree covered with a variety of apples. Some were red, green and yellow. Some sweet and others tart. After the wagon ride, I bought a bucket so I could experience harvesting apples. The guide explained how to know if the apples were ready. Apples ready for picking came right off once I pulled and twisted the steam. I came across some that were not ready and some trees we skipped completely because that particular variety had a different harvest time. It did not take long to fill my bucket with apples then I headed back to meet my friends.

There are some life applications that I gleamed from this experience. If you want to be part of the harvest, you have to participate. You will have to endure the elements to achieve the goal of picking apples. It was a warm day and I broke a sweat trudging through the uneven, rocky slopes. There were weeds and grasses growing in various places. With my low vision, it wasn’t the easiest task maneuvering over the uneven ground. However, I desired the apples more than the hassle it took to get them, so I pushed through.

Every beautiful experience has positive and negative aspects. The trick is to keep your eyes on the prize. In the beginning, as I rode on the wagon through the orchard, my eye was drawn to the fruit. The grassy, rocky slopes weren’t a problem until I was on foot trudging through it. I grasped the beauty of the apples so the negatives of the elements didn’t bother me because my eye was on the goal.

Another life application is, you reap what you sow. Our orchard guide told us about the man who planted the orchard. He put lots of effort into his goal and years later the orchard continues to produce beautiful tasty fruit.

Last but not least, I pondered on how those many apple covered trees represent humanity in need of some one to pick them and bring them in to enjoy. If the apples aren’t picked, they eventually fall and rot on the ground. In Luke 10:2 it says, “These were his instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”(NLT)

Our communities, schools, neighborhoods, business are full of apples (people) waiting for someone to see their value. So many want to be “picked and cherished”. Let’s pray and ask God how we can be useful in the greatest harvest ever. It will require a willingness to participate but we won’t be disappointed in the results.

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

Beauty from ashes

September 22, 2022Leave a Comment

For several days now I’ve been meaning to sit down and write this. In the process, I’ve typed a few notes to hold onto until I could find time to get my thoughts together.

How can people find beauty in the ashes? As I have reflected on this, several things have come to mind. Don’t despise the hard things.
Hardships make you stronger and equips you to help others.

Finding “Beauty in ashes” is like gleaming diamonds in dirt. You may wonder, “Why am I going through this difficult season in life?” Is God possibly preparing you to encourage others with the same comfort you are receiving? 2 Corinthians‬ ‭1:4 says, “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” (NLT‬‬). Gleaming beauty from a hard situation could be being able to encourage others through their difficulties because you have been through it as well. Empathy is beautiful.

Let’s check out another verse. Romans‬ ‭15:5 says, “May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.”(NLT). Patience is beautiful! Encouraging others is also a beautiful thing to experience. Being able to live in harmony is wonderful. The ashes of difficulties make us more sensitive to allowing God to work through us.
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What about compassion? There have been some really genuine people who have forever touched me with their love and compassion when I was struggling. You can pick up on it when someone is real and truly cares. Having experienced this genuine love and concern makes me want to do the same for others.

I’ve had several opportunities recently to minister encouragement to others in trying situations. I will share one with you. One friend is experiencing some lapses in memory. It’s been my pleasure to listen and learn. I listen to her tell me stories. Some times she repeats them. But I listen to them however many times she wants to share. I know it touches my heart when others take time for me so I want to do the same for others. Recently she was helping me pronounce words correctly . I pronounce words the way they are spelled and sometimes that just does not work. She would spell the words out according to what it sounds like. I sure was way off on some of them. It was funny and we both enjoyed it. We have a true friendship that is beautiful .

As God molds us through our difficulties we are being changed to be more Christ like in character. One might think of a hard season in life as, Lord just get me through this! I really believe it’s not about us getting through but rather how we come out. Do we come out stronger? Do we come out tender to the needs and hurts of those around us? Everyday is an opportunity for God to mold us into the image of Jesus. My prayer today is, Lord help me to be more like you and less like me. All for the glory of God! Amrn!

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

You will overcome

September 1, 20222 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Facebook suspension 😳Really?

August 27, 20226 Comments

The saying goes, “There’s a first time for everything.” That doesn’t mean I wasn’t shocked when I received an e mail today telling me my Facebook was being suspended for violation of its standards. Really Facebook? What might I ask do you dislike about my posts? I share uplifting, positive, inspiring blogs and posts to encourage people. I looked at the so called FB standards. To my knowledge I have not violated anything. Do I promote violence? NO! Do I promote hate speech? NO! Do I promote profanity? NO? Geez… I don’t even gossip on there! On the contrary I speak life and encouragement This is quite perplexing.

The thing that bothers me is that my blogs on WordPress are shared through social media. Many of my followers see my posts through Facebook. I started blogging as a continuation of my story. Life doesn’t stop after publishing my autobiography., “Rooted by the Water“. (You can find it on Amazon) In a sense, it’s actually just the beginning. God continues to teach me so much about His grace and strength through my brokenness. It’s amazing to me when I see posts from other people going through hard times and depression, that I’m given an opportunity to speak life and love into their lives. It’s a privilege to pray for their needs. Just recently someone I met online years ago thanked me for always encouraging others. This past week I had the most views on my blog than I’ve ever had before. What did I write on this last week? I wrote on the 2 year anniversary of my brothers ongoing miracle after having a bone marrow transplant in 2020. I’m honored to be part of his miracle by being his donor.

I know social media gets a bad rap. I get it really, but it allows me to connect with people in ways I don’t ordinarily have. Being hearing impaired and legally blind I am limited in interacting with others. Social media is an opportunity to connect with others and share the love of Jesus.

I have disputed their decision. We will see what happens . But in the meantime they have silenced me. However, I will continue to write and continue to encourage people to not give up. I will Shine on! If you enjoy my blogs help me keep spreading the love of Jesus and the hope He give by sharing my blog with others.
Thank you for journeying with me. God bless you all!

2 year anniversary of an ongoing Miracle🙌

August 25, 20222 Comments

As I write this my heart rejoices in our miracle working, amazing, sustaining and faithful God! Two years ago tomorrow, my brother Forrest had a bone marrow transplant at Duke University. We praise God and are beyond thankful for giving doctors the wisdom to treat leukemia and for the miracle of allowing this transplant to be successful. The picture above is Forrest holding the bag of my harvested bone marrow before his transplant.

I remember sitting on my back porch during the summer of 2020. I remember praying and asking God to allow me to help my brother in some way. God answered that prayer. God some how allowed me to be a perfect bone marrow donor match for my brother. This all took place during the Covid-19 pandemic . Remember the masks, isolation, distancing, Covid tests just to make sure….etc? God sees every tiny detail and works it out according to His will. With me being hearing Impaired (hearing some with cochlear implant technology) and legally blind, and everyone was wearing masks at Duke, God allowed Forrest to be with me and help me understand. God was using him to help me, as He was using me to help Forrest. God is so good!

I wish I could say that it was a smooth ride but there were complications. However, every complication God sone how worked out. I will never fully understand the ordeal Forrest and his family endured. God did allow us to see the extraordinary support He gave them. Family, friends, church family, medical staff, and even strangers; God brought them all together to surround Forrest, his wife Jan and children and my parents. The prayer coverage, calls, cards, meals, gifts, and love lavished on them by our gracious loving God. We will never stop giving thanks to our “Way maker, Miracle working, promise keeping God”! He is faithful always! Romans 8:28 tells us “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”( ‭NLT‬‬)

We are so grateful for Gods Word that encourages us daily as we continue to walk in His grace. Psalms 91 is a passage of scripture Forrest and family cling to. These scriptures bring such comfort. The entire chapter is so reassuring. . I especially love verses 14-16, “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”(ESV)

There are some things to take away from this blog post. As Forrest continues to walk through the daily miracle God is performing, he is reaching out to others facing similar trials. It is encouraging to help people know they are not alone. 2 Corinthians‬ ‭1:4 says, “who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”(ESV‬‬).

Another thing to take away from this is, never underestimate what God is able to accomplish with brokenness. Check out what God says in 2 Corinthians‬ ‭12:9‬, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Just surrender all you have and let Jesus use you in whatever way He desires.

Each day is a gift, that’s why it’s called the present. Learn to live in the moment. We can’t worry about tomorrow or things from the past. Live in the present and give it as a gift to God for His glory.

We give all praise , glory and honor to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We praise God for all He is doing as He sustains and strengthens Forrest and family daily. We don’t know what tomorrow holds, but we trust in our Lord who holds all our tomorrows. We are so thankful!
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If you would like to read more of my story check out my autobiography, “Rooted by the Water”. Forrest blessed me by writing the Foreword. You can find it on Amazon in hard cover, soft cover and e book format. I will end this with the following scripture. Revelation‬ ‭1:8, “I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.” (NLT‬‬)

Www.rootedbythewater.blog

His Grace is Enough

August 22, 20221 Comment

Lately grace has been on my mind. If not for God’s grace, where would I be in life? Life is full of complications and sometimes keeping a positive outlook can be quite a stretch. There is a saying, “But for the grace of God…” Amen!

If you are like me, you may have been praying for years and years for breakthroughs on many different things. When the answers don’t come like I think, it is tempting to get discouraged. It’s vital to remember to pray “thy will be done”, not my will but God’s.

I love when people are real and transparent. No one has a perfect life. When we share struggles with one another we are encouraged that we aren’t alone. When we share our victories we can rejoice together.

My friend and I met for our Bible study today. I am so thankful for her. She blesses my heart Today we talked about the sovereignty of God. I love how we can share our lives and what God is teaching us. We can encourage each other. As we studied today we saw how the scriptures prove that God has complete control over everything. It is comforting to know that I don’t need to worry because God is going to work it out according to His perfect Will. Romans 8:28 says “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”(‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Life happens. When we wake up each day we give it our best shot. Yet sometimes our best shot falls short of the expectations we set for ourself. I must be mindful that as thankful as I am for Gods grace, I also must show myself grace. I am far from perfection but I do set high expectations for myself. When high expectations meet low vision and hearing issues, it’s a big frustration waiting to happen. The amount of typos I make on this iPad touch screen would blow your mind. So whether it’s a text, e mail, blog, comment… whatever it is, I have to zoom in large and I do mean LARGE to see and correct all the many typos. Lord help me and thankfully He does!

What doesn’t break you makes you stronger! We need refining in trials of life in order to reflect Gods character and bring glory to Him. James‬ ‭1:2- 4 says, ‬“Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
‭‭(‭NASB2020‬)‬

Have you had any trials lately? Can you find joy in those trials? In all honesty, I must say no. I don’t find joy in the trials but God willing, as He continues to work on me and show me grace, I will. It can be tiresome but we must keep our focus on our destination… Jesus. “Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.”
‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭3:18‬ ‭(NLT‬)

In true Shannon fashion, a song just popped into my head and I most likely have the lyrics wrong but here goes… There ain’t no doubt about it, I’m on my way home. I’m not yet where I’m going, but I’m a long way from where I was. I hear a crowd of angels cheering me on…. There ain’t no doubt about it, I’m on my way home.”

As we wrap up Monday, I will say “good night everybody”. Keep on keeping on. New grace and mercies await us in the morning. Thank you Jesus!

If you’d like to check out my autobiography , “Rooted by the Water” you can find it on Amazon in hard cover, soft cover and e book formats. Thank you for journeying with me. Please subscribe to my blog and share it with others. Blessing to you all.

The Treasure of Brokenness

August 16, 20224 Comments

This morning I woke up smiling with a song playing in my heart. I love when that happens. “God is healing someone,making a way for someone, God is up to something right now.” I wasn’t sure the lyrics in my heart were the right lyrics so I looked it up. I wasn’t too far off. I got on our church website to check the music from this past Sunday. You can check it out for yourself at http://www.centralnc.org The lyrics were “He is healing someone, He is saving someone, God is doing something right now.” I’m not sure the name of the song.

I love when the Lord ministers to my heart through music. It’s also kind of amusing because being hearing and visually limited, I get parts of it then make it my own version. I know I’m an “Oddball” but that’s okay. There is nothing wrong with being your unique individual self.

Yesterday a friend and I met for our first week of Bible study. She lives a few houses down from me, so I walked down for our first study together. We are doing Kay Arthur’s Bible study, Lord I Want yo Know You I’ve done the study before on my own but I thought it would be good to do it with a friend. There is nothing as refreshing as studying Gods Word. Hebrews‬ ‭4:12‬ says, “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” (NLT).

This particular Kay Arthur study we are doing is a study of the names of God in the Bible. God reveals His character and attributes about Himself with each name we study.

Yesterday we discussed Elohim, God our Creator. We talked about the purpose for our existence. According to God’s Word, we were created for His glory. See Isaiah‬ ‭43:7‬, “Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them.’”(NLT‬‬).

One of the beautiful things about doing a Bible study with someone is the opportunity to share. I was open as I shared my frustrations of my hearing and visual issues. In all honesty I told my friend I didn’t think I would be the person I am today if God had not allowed me to be “broken”. God has brought me to a place where I must rely on Him rather than myself. I shared with her about a devotion I came across last week about Gideon. (Judges 7) In a nutshell, God had to reduce Gideon’s men so only God would get the glory in the victory. God reduced Gideon’s men to 300. That’s a fraction from what he started with. They each had a horn and a torch in earthen vessels (clay jars). The 300 broke into groups of three. When the horn sounded they broke their earthen vessel and the light shined through.

Sometimes God has to bring us to brokenness so His light shines through. A place where we can’t rely on our own strengths but have to fully rely on Him. It’s a hard place to be but He surely brings victory and is glorified.

There are treasures found in brokenness. It is when we can’t do it that God pouts His strength into us to enable us to shine on for His glory.

It would be so easy to sink in despair and stay in my comfort zone. A place where I’m not worried about what I can’t or can’t see, can or can’t understand. A side note, I see some of the signs but can’t always see the right hand shape with sign language, so I miss parts of what I should be seeing. When talking and listening to conversations, I understand parts of it with my cochlear implant processor but I also miss many parts. I know in my heart, God did not create me to live in my “comfort zone” where I’m not challenged and used. I was created to bring glory to Him, my Elohim, my Creator. As I soak in Gods Word, He restores me and enables me to rise up again. He is our victory. And just like that song I woke up to that was playing in my heart….“He is healing someone, He is saving someone, He is doing something…right now”! Be Blessed.

Check out my autobiography “Rooted by the Water” for more of my story. Find it on Amazon and other online retailers.

Pictures used in this blog were found on Pinterest.
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Balancing Act

August 8, 20222 Comments

A few weeks ago I got my bosu ball out to begin working on my balance. I also found a Pilates app that has different routines to do to strengthen your body and help with flexibility. It is surprising how off balance I can be even on solid ground. I’m sure my low vision and hearing contribute to the balance issue. I’m also only implanted with a cochlear Implant in my right ear. My trouble with balance can be embarrassing as I always try to play it off if I wobble. I knew it was time to take action and do what I can to strengthen my core muscles .

When I first got my bosu ball out, I was amazed at how hard it was to find balance with the round side on the floor. One night right before bed at 11:30 I had the “bright idea” of closing my eyes to see if I could balance without looking. That was a very short experiment. As I tried to balance with the rounded side on the floor, as soon as I closed my eyes I fell straight over to my right side(The side my cochlear implant is on) I hit the carpet pretty hard causing a carpet burn on my knee. Otherwise I was fine. My husband heard the fall and came to investigate. I was laying on the floor laughing. I said, “No worries. I just fell over, that’s all.”

There is a life lesson in this. We need to keep our focus. If my eyes are open and fixed straight ahead, Im not as likely to waver in faith or character. Life is a balancing act. Equilibrium is so necessary: a calm purposeful focus on what’s most important.

Last week I felt stretched in all different directions and it had me stressed out. We were finishing up a home improvement project and having carpet put in that room. The day of installment was so confusing. The company went back and forth on if it was actually coming. Someone one said”Yes, it’s coming”, another said, “No we made a mistake”. It finally came that evening. Our son also started a new job doing something totally new to him. He’s working as an electrician apprentice. That caused some underlying anxiety to flare up. All the while, I was my husbands “sounding board”. Listening to your spouses frustrations is part of marriage but I don’t hear like a normal person and with everything else going on, I’d had more than enough! I needed quiet time to unwind and not have to listen to things I have zero control over. I went into our bedroom, for some time alone. My husband came in and said, “I love you.” I replied, “I love you too now go away.” I’m thankful my husband understands when I need peace and quiet after over stimulation.

Recently I asked a good friend who is also a neighbor if she would do a Bible study with me. We are doing “Lord I want to know you” by Kay Arthur. I’ve done this study years ago on the names of God in the Bible and how the names reveal who He is. As I started day 1 today, I was amazed at how the opening illustration reflected me right now. The illustration is of a doe running from a barking dog. The doe is exhausted from the chase and comes upon a person standing at a fence. Sensing security there the doe goes to him. As I reflected on that illustration I saw myself being exhausted by the chase of lie worries and frustrations. Life happens and we have to deal with it. God does not leave us to face it alone. He’s right there saying “Come to Me“. In Matthew‬ ‭11:28‬ ‭ Jesus is saying, “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”(NASB2020)

So you see life is a balancing act. Whether it’s with physical balance, life in general, relationships or spiritual, Jesus is there willing to help us stay steady. It will require focus on Him but it will be so worth it. Be encouraged and press on,

My website is still down. Thankfully I have the files but am waiting for a friend to show me how to transfer them to a new site. I’m hoping to combine my website and blog together. It is coming along just rather slowly. In the meantime if you’d like to check out my book “Rooted by the Water” you can find it on Amazon in hard cover, soft cover and e book formats. Thank you for journeying with me. Please subscribe to my blog and share it with others. Blessing to you all.

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