May you all have a blessed beyond measure weekend as you continue to walk with Jesus!
Verse for today 6/25/22
Tag: scripture
Coasting
After a near “burn out” on Monday, I decided to take a different approach to coping. The analogy of riding a bike came to mind. You can ride at a leisurely pace, occasionally coasting, or you can change gears and push hard to get to your destination faster. The destination is the same. The level of exertion is the difference.
Generally I choose to push through things especially if it’s something unpleasant. It’s just the way I’m wired. I want to get it done then rest. I realize that pushing through can cause tremendous stress that’s really not necessary. It’s okay to coast! It’s more than okay to take a balanced approach. I’m going to arrive at my destination and arriving with a good frame of mind is ideal. My goal is to adjust to the new programming (map) of my cochlear implant processor. I can’t make it work although I can do auditory therapy and adjust my outlook. I know it will get better one step at a time. Balancing social stimulation and taking breaks is wise. I don’t have to do everything just right. It’s healthy to monitor the stress.
Yesterday was a much better day and I believe today will be too. I didn’t push myself to hard but just “coasted” regarding sounds. It was refreshing to get many chores accomplished and spend time in prayer and Gods word. Finding two new blooms on my Nanny’s peace Lilly plant added additional smiles.
We can’t rush through the refiners fire. Romans 5:3- 5 NLT says, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”
Let me encourage you today in whatever you are facing, God is with us every step of the way. It’s okay to coast a bit and relax. He’s going to get us where we need to be. Just trust Him!
If you happen to come across this blog post for the first time. I encourage you to read my autobiography ”Rooted by the Water”. It’s a true story of how God has enabled me to overcome great difficulties, not by my own strength but through His strength made perfect in my weaknesses. You can find it on Amazon and many other online retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Target and Walmart.
Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com
Burnt-out
Today was a test for my nerves. Optimism and a positive outlook can get you places but at a certain point circumstances start to wear on you and you can begin to sputter out. That describes me perfectly today. This was not an unusual day. I woke up with the mindset to overcome just like I do everyday but by mid afternoon my nerves were shot.
June 10th was the start of my “sound diet” that lasted until June 16th. That was six days with no auditory stimulation. When my audiologist turned my cochlear implant processor back on that day I could only tolerate low levels. It’s like small steps forward with my brain adjusting to the sound levels. I’ve always had that “Can do” mindset but I feel all tuckered out. I’ve been adjusting to this new map (programming) for four days now. Life doesn’t stop but you push through. There’s been a funeral, wedding, Fathers Day celebration, church, dinners, grocery shopping, a walk with a friend, discussions etc. all while background noises are drowning out voices and I don’t hear how loud I’m talking. Yesterday I actually asked my husband if my face looked tired because I try to smile through it all. My facial muscles actually felt tired. Today I was just done. Having low vision makes lip reading a challenge and the current programming makes it difficult for me to comprehend. I finally just took it off today. Sometimes you have to listen to your body and let it unwind. I have seven days until my next appointment for another mapping / programming. God willing the next adjustment will be a God-send, with just the right adjustments that will lighten this load. I rarely complain. Complaining gets you no where in life. Prayer, praise and thanksgiving are the ways to victory. One prayer at a time.. one heartfelt song of praise at a time..stepping forward step by step, God leads the way. Took a good rest today but forward on I go.
Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com
Don’t throw it in!,
Sometimes when I write I feel a fire burning inside as I desire to encourage others. This is one of those times. Let’s be honest! Life is tough! You might be tempted to throw in the towel and say, ”Just forget it! I’m tired of the struggle!” Let me encourage you, don’t throw in that towel! Keep pushing forward! Keep believing! Keep fighting!
Yesterday I received some discouraging news about a dear friend who is being moved to hospice. This was pretty shocking! She had back surgery in April but has had complication after complication. The doctors have done all they can do. When faced with situations like this it’s so easy to take the doctors word and let go. A group of friends and I have a group chat going on to pray fervently for our dear friend. Yesterday one of the ladies shared a picture of a note our friends grandson wrote. It was a precious note to encourage, reminding his Grandpa that this was just an obstacle in life. – That dear friends is child like faith. God gets the last word not the doctors. As long as there is breath in her lungs, there is hope that God can turn this around. Join me in prayer for our sweet friend. God knows her name and the exact situation. I choose to believe God.
Last night I invited my Mom to go to a Teacups ministry event. I’ve only been a few times but the ladies are so welcoming and it’s always nice. It was a chance for Mom to meet more ladies from her church. The last few times I went it’s been a larger group. Being hearing and visually impaired, I don’t do that great in groups. Currently I’m having issues hearing with my cochlear implant and last night was way out of my comfort zone with all the voices to try to understand. But I “pressed in my heels” and tried anyway. I’m glad I did! I saw one lady there going through cancer treatment. She was all smiles with a scarf wrapped around her head. She is victorious! I saw other ladies there enduring pain in their bodies. They could have stayed home but they chose to come. Another lady’s son in law is going through some difficulties with his vision. I can relate and plan to reach out to encourage.
My point? Keep moving forward! Keep pressing on! Sometimes we have to live life “moment by moment”. Whatever it takes, don’t throw the towel in. God has us in the palm of His hands. He invites us to bring all our concerns and needs to Him. When the doctor gives bad news, trust Gods promises! When things in society seem to be spiraling downwards, trust God! Speak life and pray without ceasing!
Last night some of the ladies decorated rocks. I didn’t do one since it’s hard to see. One lady made one for me with the scripture Joshua 1:9 on it. I looked it up when I got home. It said, “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” She will never know how perfect this was for me.
If you’d like to read more of my story please check out my autobiography “Rooted by the Water”. It’s a true story of how God has enabled me to overcome great difficulties, not by my own strength but through His strength made perfect in my weaknesses. You can find it on Amazon and many other online retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Target and Walmart.
Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com
What did you wear?
As we wrap up this Wednesday, I’d like to ask you a question. Thinking back on your day today, what did you wear? What did you take off or put on? Climate and temperatures are out of our control but we can be prepared. If you live in the Carolinas you can experience all seasons in January. Our weather is so unpredictable. Lately it’s been pretty hot! So we dress according to the weather.
Our society temperatures can vary as well. Opinions can be all over the spectrum on every imaginable topic. I can find myself taking a certain “stance” and must be mindful of humility. Everyday is full of opportunities to shine for Jesus. 1 Peter 3:15 says “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” NKJV. The ESV says with “gentleness and respect”. Our stance on subjects and attitudes in general play a huge role in our effectiveness in sharing God’s love.
Let’s be really honest here. Some times people can press and press until you just want to snap. We can be tempted to be defensive and easily offended. When we forget whose battle it is we can quickly snuff out our light. Even the disciples could become offended. When the Samaritan village rejected Jesus in Luke 9, James and John wanted to call down fire from Heaven. Luke 9:54 “And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” ESV. Oh boy! I’ve seen some heated debates before (even been on a few) and it’s refreshing to know the disciples also experienced this. Let’s take a look at Jesus response. Luke 9:55-56 “But he turned and rebuked them. And they went on to another village.” Sometimes we just have to move on. We can’t win every debate and we can’t be offended by every opposition. We can choose to put on humility, love, respect and grace. Be sure to throw off hostilities and anger. Those won’t get you anywhere but in trouble.
From a spiritual perspective we can always dress for success. Colossians 3:12 says “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”NLT. So let’s be mindful of what we put on and take off. Dressing effectively God’s way is the way to go. Be blessed!
If you’d like to read more of my story please check out my autobiography “Rooted by the Water”. It’s a true story of how God has enabled me to overcome great difficulties, not by my own strength but through His strength made perfect in my weaknesses. You can find it on Amazon and many other online retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Target and Walmart.
Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com
Who’s the Greatest?
Who’s the Greatest?
Ever wonder who is the greatest? In todays times and our current culture people might respond naming the greatest athlete. Other possible answers today could be who has the most money, the most power, greatest set of skills, best looking, most influential … and the list goes on. This is actually not a new question. People have been pondering this for centuries. Matthew 18:1 tells us, “About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?””( NLT) None of todays possible answers would even come close to what Jesus said. Look carefully at the response of Jesus in Matthew 18:2-4. “Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.”(NLT) Let’s pause for a moment and let Jesus words sink deep within our hearts. We must become humble like little children.
If you Google the meaning of humble this is what you will find: having or showing a modest or low estimate of one’s own importance. Well folks, we have a lot of work to do. I can only name a few who demonstrate this characteristic.
This present society is all about ME, ME and more ME! Instant gratification, lust, pleasures, passions and having more is NOT God’s way. Let’s surrender today to Jesus Lordship over our lives! Let’s humble ourselves and become nothing, so HE can fill us and become our everything. Jesus loves you! Will you give Him your life today?
Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com
He never stops working
This evening I went outside after dinner to water my plants. It’s been so hot today and the next several days are supposed to be the same. While I was outside I lost track of time and by the time I came in Wednesday night prayer was almost over. I caught the last few minutes online as the praise team was singing “Way Maker”. I love this song and especially the part that say: ”Even when I don’t see that your working. Even when I don’t feel that your working. You never stop you never stop working. You never stop, you never stop working .” I love that and it’s so true. We can rest in the knowledge that even when we don’t see it or feel it, God is always working to bring about His perfect will.
This is a good reminder for me. I have prayed hard for over 13 years about a certain situation. Every year we endure an appointment with an eye specialist and every year I pray for improvement. As I waited at home to hear how the appointment went, I walked with a friend and we prayed together. My husband finally texted me saying, “Praise God it’s stable! No change and same prescription!”. While this isn’t the exact answer I was hoping for it is still a good report. I do know that God can turn any situation around so we keep believing and keep praying for improvement. God is our creator who can make something out of nothing. He can renew nerves, and bring about optimal eye health. My heart is full of thanksgiving for stability. After my friend left I sat down at the piano to play some worship songs. I played, “You deserve the glory” and “Tremble”. I played them over and over as I waited for the report. Thank you Jesus for answered prayers. This is behind us until next years appointment. One day this will be behind us for good but while we wait for that day we will keep praying and thanking God. We are so thankful for praying family and friends.
If you are praying and have not received the answer yet I encourage you to not give up. God is faithful and always on time. Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Keep the faith and keep hope alive. God is faithful always.
You can find out more about my story in my autobiography, “Rooted by the Water”. My life story of Gods power at work in my weaknesses. Find it on Amazon and other online retailers.
Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com
Remember Your Journey
Lately I have been trying to stay busy and keep my mind occupied so I don’t become anxious. Trying my best to just trust God and His perfect timing. As I was reading a chapter in Micah this morning, the words “remember your journey” caught my attention. I have been reading the New Living Translation. Sometimes I can become too accustomed to a certain translation that I don’t read it as carefully. Today Micah 6:5 stood out to me. “Don’t you remember, my people, how King Balak of Moab tried to have you cursed and how Balaam son of Beor blessed you instead? And remember your journey from Acacia Grove to Gilgal, when I, the Lord, did everything I could to teach you about my faithfulness.” That’s such a thought provoking verse. Just think of how many times the enemy has tried to curse us over the course of our journey BUT GOD turned it around. Just think of all the times over the course of our journey God did everything He possibly could to show us His faithfulness! So as we walk through the stormy clouds of uncertainty we can rest in the knowledge that God is faithful always. He has brought us thus far and won’t leave us alone. He is in our midst. I am keeping my eyes solely on Jesus, who is my peace.
Yesterday I told Ron, “I look back and marvel at how much God has changed us over the years.” I told him if given the choice to go back I would not. God has given so much wisdom through the fiery trials. I am amazed and humbled at how faithful and merciful our God is. Lord give us your eyes to see the world and people the way You do: A sea of humanity needing acceptance, love, mercy, peace and healing. Remember your journey! See what God has done and give Him praise! Be blessed!
Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com
Finding Life
Today I went out on our front porch to change some old artificial greenery. I had bought a fuller replacement that looks more real. As I reached for the thin old greenery something began flapping and I backed away. The flapping of life in something old made me smile. With low eye sight, I figured it was a bird but couldn’t tell. Grabbing my iPad from inside I crept as quietly as I could and took a picture. Above is an enlarged picture of what I found. While I don’t know for certain, Im assuming that’s a momma bird sheltering her young. New life is beautiful. As I ponder this truth I see faith in motion. Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we don’t see. I don’t see the eggs under this momma bird or possibly hatched baby birds but I truly believe they are there.
Yesterday I bought a new shirt that says “Momma Bear”. I love it and will wear it with joy. There is nothing like the love and protectiveness of a mother for her child, no matter how old they are. Our son Joshua arrived home last week after being away for half a year. It is the greatest joy to have him here again. The long talks and time together are priceless.
This Wednesday May 18 at 10:45 he has his annual appointment with his eye specialist. Every year since 2009 my heart becomes a bit anxious as this appointment approaches. I have to confess this to the Lord daily and He strengthens me. The doctor told us I could not pass along my vision problems since it was said mine came from a birth defect to my optic nerves. As I pray fervently for our son I am asking for God to create new life and bring restoration and renewed health to Joshua’s optic nerves. I believe that behind those beautiful green eyes, new life is forming and restoration is taking place. When he was a little guy he used to sing, “My God is great, so awesome and so mighty. There’s nothing that my God can not do.” From the mouth of babes!
Recently I have been reading different books with testimonies of how God heals. In the Bible itself, Jesus never turned a single person away who sought healing. Jesus healed them all. Why God has not done it yet, I do not know. But I do know that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) Nothing is impossible with God! (Mark 10:27) As Christians we must take God at His Word and stop believing the lies of the enemy. You might think Im a bit radical but that’s okay. I choose to believe God. Jesus took a horrible beating at the whipping post over 2,000 years ago. Isaiah 53:5 says “But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.”
Jesus also teaches us that greater works will we do because He goes to the Father. Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins. He took our place! He was buried and raised to life on the third day. He is alive! He ascended to Heaven and sits at the right hand of The Father interceding for us. The Bible tells us in John 14:12, “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.”
I am believing my Jesus! He makes all things new! Will you join me in faith declaring restoration in our sons eyesight? The Doctor will see signs of new healthy life at his appointment on Wed essay. Signs of restoration! May a huge wave of faith and prayer arise over the world as I sent this blog post out far and wide. We give all glory to Jesus! Thank you Lord for renewal, flourishing nerve health and bringing everything in line to what it needs to be for optimal health. Amen!
If you’d like to read more of my story please check out my autobiography “Rooted by the Water”. It’s a true story of how God has enabled me to overcome great difficulties, not by my own strength but through His strength made perfect in my weaknesses. You can find it on Amazon and many other online retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Target and Walmart.
Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com
Release it again
Sometimes we think we have things handled well until something triggers a flare up in anxiety and you realize it’s been hiding deep down inside unnoticed. Several flare ups have occurred this week and it has somewhat surprised me that anxiety is still lurking. Past experiences can leave little scars that you don’t realize are still there. This week I have kept busy while our son is doing an adventurous cross country camping trip with a friend, in tents. Each day I have either walked with my neighbor or a friend. We walk, talk, encourage and pray. Several times this week I have confessed my feelings of rising anxiety about hidden fears that I didn’t realize still exist.
As the week unfolded I thought of how James 5:15 tells us, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” In my heart I know that Jesus doesn’t want us walking around anxious but wants us to bring each and every fear and situation to him. As I type this there is a severe thunderstorm warning in effect. Storms have never bothered me but the boys are traveling home. I keep repeating; pray, believe trust, release. Repeat… pray, believe, trust and release. We have zero control over many things in life. The saying goes, “Life is10% what happens to you and 90% how you deal with it.” My way of dealing with life is to pray, pray and pray some more. The Bible also tells me in Philippians 4:6 “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Maybe I need to add thanksgiving in as well. Lord thank you that we can come boldly before your throne of grace because of the shed blood of Jesus and you hear our hearts prayer.
Today as I ended my walk with my friend Valerie I told her I wanted to pray with her. We were standing at the end of my driveway. As I held her hands and prayed over her, her family, my family and just everything, it was a precious time. As I said “Amen” I noticed a FedEx truck was parked nearby. I told my friend that the driver probably saw something he didn’t see often, people praying together in the driveway. I sure hope it was as big of a blessing to that driver as it was to us.
Life is such a toss up of so many things. We never know what’s around the next corner. As I’ve been writing this blog I’ve seen many severe weather alerts, a couple tornado watches and now sun. I had the dog move with me to the floor of the bathroom. I honestly set my iPad on the commode lid as I typed and waited. My dog must have thought I was out of my mind. I ventured out and saw the sun shining through the windows. Now it’s dark again. All I can say is “ Lord I don’t know what’s on the radar but you do. Amen! He is El Roi the God who sees. As long as my Heavenly Father is at watch, everything is going to be alright. So let’s rest in that knowledge and pray, believe, trust, give thanks and release it as many times as needed.
If you’d like to read more of my story please check out my autobiography “Rooted by the Water”. It’s a true story of how God has enabled me to overcome great difficulties, not by my own strength but through His strength made perfect in my weaknesses. You can find it on Amazon and many other online retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Target and Walmart.
Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com
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