#serveothers – rootedbythewater.blog

To say I’ve been stressed lately is an understatement! I mean, really, everyday life is stressful with trying to see things and understand. (Visual and hearing impairments are no joke) Trust me, there is much miscommunication that goes on around here. Half the time I can do nothing about it but adjust my attitude and response. While at Great Clips for a haircut on Friday, as I walked in while Ron was parking, a guy acted like he knew me and asked where my husband was. It turned out to be one of my husband’s friends and I was embarrassed that I didn’t see him well enough to know who he was. That’s just a tiny example. When I’m at home, I’m fine but in unfamiliar areas, it can be stressful. Plus the fact, it’s Christmas time.

While we don’t do a lot around the holidays, we do a few things. Year round we are on a team that serves the homeless. We will be serving Christmas Eve, but most of our team won’t be able to come: out of town or “under the weather”. When God opens a door, I typically step in, even though I’m so unprepared. I’ve been praying for about two weeks about this upcoming time of ministry, that God would work it out to be something very special for the people so they could see God’s love for them. Let me just say, as of right now, things are falling into place unlike I could have ever imagined. Some friends from the book club that I’m in are bringing desserts and a friend just sent me a picture of 150 cookies that she and her boyfriend had made. Ron and I thought we could be cooking for the event but it sounds like a group has stepped up to totally bless these precious people with BBQ, beans and coleslaw. I am in tears at the faithfulness of God. Once the dinner is complete and I have a chance, I will give an update. I am so blown away by the faithfulness of God and watching Him work it all out. Many sweet people are helping and it is beautiful!

The last few weeks I’ve talked to the people about different parts of the Christmas story. This Wednesday we will wrap it up. Well, actually God has already wrapped it up in the gift of Jesus birth. I pray He gives me the words to speak well for His glory. (It will be a pretty short devotion but to share how God has brought it all together for the special meal and desserts, just WOW!).

We had our girlfriend’s Christmas dinner last week. One friend gave us all a nice Christmas mug. I think everyone’s had their initial and a Christmas design. Mine had “Comfort & Joy” with a Christmas design. It was like God was telling me something. He brings good tidings of comfort and joy when we trust in Him. In trusting Him, I have to let go of the situations troubling me and trust Him to work it out. As I pour out my heart to the Lord, He has used different parts of the Christmas story to impress things upon my heart. From being obedient like Mary in a perplexing situation, the shepherds hearing the angels in noise, to eagerly following Jesus like the wisemen followed the star, to making room for Jesus, there is much the Lord has impressed upon me this season. As I “let go and let God”, truly trusting Him when I don’t see how it’s going to work. Seeing God work behind the scenes to bring things together, I’m in awe of God. He is faithful always. He loves us so much He came, with a manager as His bed. Such humility, compassion and love. People were expecting a ruler not a baby born to a virgin and placed in a manager. But that baby changed everything. Jesus! Immanuel, God with us! His good tidings of comfort & joy are trickling in and my heart is full. I wish you a blessed Christmas week with your family and friends. Don’t forget those less fortunate. Give the gift of you: your time, kindness, compassion, a listening ear, prayer and resources if you can spare anything. I’ve learned it is far more blessed to give than receive.

Merry Christmas to you all!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

My husband Ron, me, our son Joshua and his puppy Moose.

Tonight as I crawled into my warm bed with my electric blanket on, I thought of the homeless people we had been feeding. Some are in shelters but some live in tents. Although it is technically late Fall, the temperatures around here have really dropped. It was probably in the upper forties while we were passing out warm meals to our homeless friends at the bus stop. The wind was blowing as well so it felt extra chilly.

While I was wearing a light jacket, I should have brought a warmer one. I couldn’t bring myself to complain about being cold because these people deal with the temperatures all the time. As some get on and off the bus, all their belongings are in a single suitcase they take with them where ever they go. Imagine that! It truly makes me ponder how very blessed we are. If we have a pillow to lay our head on at night, a bed to sleep in, food to eat, clothes to wear, a roof over our heads, we are blessed beyond measure.

There were a couple of families out helping us serve tonight. One family brought blankets to distribute. God bless these parents for teaching their children to be humble and serve. I know the people really appreciate the kindness shown to them.

As the evening was wrapping up, Ron and I got into our warm car. The heat felt so good. We talked about the crockpot of tomato basil soup waiting for us at home that warmed us up. It’s time for bed. It’s been a busy day of cooking and serving but my heart is happy to be a part of RiceNBeans. It is such a blessing to serve others and be Jesus’ hands and feet in ministering to the physical needs they have. Father God please bless these people who have no home. I pray for your provision, protection, strength, health and warmth for their bodies. You are able to do far more than we ask or can even imagine. You are Jehovia Jirah our provider. You are also El Roi the God who sees. You see us where we are and meet us there. I am so beyond grateful for all that You are, and all that You do! You are worthy of all praise and glory! In Jesus name I pray, amen!

Good night. Tomorrow

is a new day full of opportunities to be a blessing. It’s also going to be a day full of chances to humbly count your blessings. God is good all the time!