Let the festivities begin

Me a few years ago at a Christmas party. It makes me laugh every time I see it.

I can hardly believe it’s December 1! This year has literally flown by. The season is upon us for gatherings, baking, decorating, shopping and blessing people. Let the festivities begin.

In all seriousness, it can be a very busy and sometimes stressful time of year. So many traditions and adding new ones. One thing I enjoy is decorating our home. I love Christmas lights. I just find them very peaceful, adding joy to our home. This year I tried to keep things a bit simpler. I decorated our main Christmas tree in the dining room and a mini tree in the foyer. The main tree has some ornaments our adult son Joshua made when he was little. They are still is great condition because I put them carefully away each year. The mini tree has some antique ornaments on it and my baby shoes. Our son has always had his own tree with his own ornaments from trips and memories. He wasn’t sure about putting it up since his puppy Moose is nine months old. I decided to try putting it on a table. So far so good.

Joshua’s tree up on a table. You can slightly see the dining room tree to the right as well.

I’ve found myself singing Christmas carols or sometimes signing them. (sign language). Today my husband saw me signing and asked, “Are you worshipping?” I replied, “No, it’s a Christmas carol ~ Fa la la la la”. 😂 I do love Christmas carols.

We weren’t sure how Moose would do with the Christmas things. He is nine months old now but he has done well. Joshua bought him a stocking and hung it on his snowboard upstairs that is mounted over a door. He said that was his “mantel”. He has also already filled that stocking with dog toys and treats. I said, “Joshua you’re supposed to fill stockings the night before Christmas, not a month before Christmas”. He cracks me up. One stuffed Christmas toy he gave him lasted 15 minutes. Moose was having a blast with that squeaking stuffed toy until he tore off the ear exposing the stuffing. Oh well, that one wasn’t worth the money.

With all the things going on, we must pause and remember what it’s all about. Today I was working on the devotion for the homeless ministry we serve at on Wednesdays. Every Wednesday this month I want to touch on key points leading up to Jesus birth. Christmas is a promise kept. It was foretold long before it happened. God is always faithful and fulfills His promises. Another thing that touches my heart is Mary’s response to Gabriels visit to her, telling her she was chosen by God to be the virgin mother of Jesus. Can you imagine how she must have felt? Let’s look at her response in Luke 1:38, “Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.” (NLT‬‬) I pray each of us can be as obedient in the midst of troubling things we don’t understand.

I pray as your start the month of December, your hearts are filled with Joy and you are able to rise above any tough situations you may be facing. God pours into us every day. His coming was the best gift we could ever receive. In the busyness of this season, remember to take time to worship and adore Him. He is worthy of all our praise and adoration. Be blessed!

http://www.shannonkhinson.com

Moose and Joy in their Christmas bandanas. This was the closest I could get to have them sit together. Moose always wants to play and old Granny Joy doesn’t.

Faith ~ Part 2

Picture found on Pinterest.

Tonight I finished up the devotion at the homeless ministry on “living by faith”. This topic is ingrained in me, as it’s my life each day. I choose to “walk by faith, not by sight”, because I can honestly “see” much more through faith than I can by what I really see. I hope that makes sense. God wants us to take Him at His Word and that is how I try to live life. There is so much to the topic of “living by faith” but I finished up on it tonight. (At least for now, unless God prompts me to speak on it again.)

As I began, I shared Hebrews 11:6, “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” (NLT‬‬) I explained that while we can’t actually “see” God, He is there. Just like we can’t see air, however when we take a deep breath we see the effects of taking in air, as our chest rises and falls. Just like air, God is there. We can’t see Him, but when we put our faith in Him, we will see the effects of God moving in our lives. Forget human logic, we have to trust God. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”(NLT) Side note, I try to use the New Living Translation when I share because most of the Bible’s we give out are that translation.

As I continued to share, I told them they might be wondering how much faith they needed. I just love how the Bible says faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. Mustard seeds are tiny. I did look through my pantry to see if I had any, but I must have thrown them out. I did however have a little bit of poppy seeds. I knew they were similar in size. According to Google, mustard seeds are about twice as big as a poppy seed. I brought along some poppy seeds, since that is what I had, and told them the mustard seeds were twice as big, but they are still tiny. Faith that small can move immovable things in our lives. Matthew 17: 20 says, ““You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.”” (‭‭NLT‬‬)

We each have been given a measure of faith but sometimes we doubt. I will tell you I am so “sure of what I hope for, and certain of what I don’t see” that I can visualize myself with great vision. I can also visualize my son with great vision. Do we have great vision? NO! But I believe! I know, I know, I’m a bit of a “radical” but God says “all things are possible to the one who believes”. However, my “real vision” gets in the way of my faith. When reality hits, demanding I acknowledge we don’t see well, I have to confess, “Lord I believe, help my unbelief”. This is pretty much what happens in Mark 9. A father has brought his child who has an unclean spirit, to Jesus disciples to ask them to cast it out. They couldn’t. The father asked Jesus to help them if He can. “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”” Mark‬ ‭9‬:‭22‬-‭24‬ ‭(NLT‬‬).

We live in a fallen world where trials, struggles, hurdles and obstacles abound. The best way to get through these things and thrive is having a heart surrendered to God. He is able to do far more than we ask or imagine. I also shared James 1; 3-4 that says, “For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” ‭(NLT‬‬) As we face our trials and struggles, when we give it to God, He can develop and refine us to perfection. I know giving it to God is hard, but it sure beat trying in vain to do it in our own strength.

Last Sunday Ron told me to take a picture of the screen at church. (I can’t ever read whats on the screen.) We have been visiting a church that is close to where we live. Ron drives our son Joshua to work on Sundays and this church is right down the road. I will add the picture below but it said “ Sometimes the place that feels like the biggest punishment, God will use to become your biggest platform”. Whoa! That is honestly so true in my life. While I don’t like living with these limitations, not one bit, but….. God is apparently enabling me to glorify Him despite the struggles. Who would have ever thought I’d share my struggles with homeless people? No I can’t quite relate to them in that area but I can relate to struggles and trials that seem like mountains. I can relate to situations that seem like they will never change. I can encourage them to put their faith in God. I told them tonight, “who would have ever thought I’d be doing devotions when I can’t hear and see well, but I’m standing here doing it and thriving.” That’s only because of God. I can honestly say God is good and so so faithful! I don’t understand why we have to deal with some hardships. However, I’m not supposed to understand it, I’m supposed to trust God, which is what I do.

Part of Judah Church’s message last Sunday.

Some rewards are down here on earth, other rewards are in Heaven. I’m banking on Heaven. It’s gonna be good! As Job says in Job 23:10 , “But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.” (NKJV‬‬)

Whatever you are facing, whether it be huge obstacles in your life or trials that seem impossible to overcome, let me encourage you to put your faith in God and let Him move the immovable, break the unbreakable. He can do far more than we can imagine. We just have to trust Him. He’s refining us through difficulties. Let’s not despise the hard situations, but rather let God refine us in those “fires”. “He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, And purge them as gold and silver, That they may offer to the Lord An offering in righteousness.”Malachi‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬) I don’t know much about refining silver but from my understanding, the blacksmith keeps the piece in the fire until he sees his reflection. Oh boy…. I’ve got a ways to go, BUT GOD!

Have a great rest of the week everyone. I hope I caught all the typos. I should have been asleep hours ago. Until next time. Be blessed and better yet, be a blessing.

http://www.shannonkhinson.com

Your pain is NOT in vain

I just made a big pot of tomato basil soup for dinner since it is ministry day and dinner will be ready when I get home later. My can opener apparently needs replacing, as I had the hardest time opening a can of broth for the soup, but I managed to open it enough, just barely. Now that soup is in the crockpot, I’m studying todays devotion to share with our homeless friends.

It is interesting how God works these devotions in my heart before I can honestly and transparently share with others. This devotion for today came to me one piece at a time. A few weeks ago I saw a pastor use chains as a promp to emphasize his point. On Sunday as God brought this to me, I was greatly frustrated. As I sat praying and meditating, the thought came to make a long paper chain to symbolize things that weigh us down, spiritual bondage for unbelievers and our “hang ups” in life. I knew one day all that construction paper would come to use.

I was unable to go to church Sunday for something completely out of my control. (we woke to a lot of water in part of our back yard. Our neighbors had a pipe burst and they weren’t home.) I was frustrated. I “need” the Word to strengthen me for the week. I watched several online services but I can’t comprehend it all. I was like, “Lord you know if I could see well enough to drive, I’d be able to go. Why do I have to deal with this dependence on others for these things?” Usually it doesn’t bother me, but occasionally it “boils up” and I have to let that frustration out, sometimes in the form of tears. So I made a LONG paper chain and I plan to “bust through them tonight” to show how Jesus can break every single chain.

Pain, whether it be physical or emotional can weigh us down. Frustration, anxiety, worry, addiction, bitterness, unforgiveness, pride, deception, and ANYTHING that weighs you down, God can set us free from. John 8:36  says, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”‭‭(ESV‬‬) Jesus does want us to fully surrender to His Lordship and lean on HIm for strength. Our test can become a testimony when we give it to Jesus.

Another verse I plan to share is Isaiah 43:2: When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” I love that verse. Notice how it says “when you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” You ARE going to go through things but the promise is that, God is with us as we go through it. Notice how it says “though the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you.” Think about a river; there’s water currents, rocks, critters, etc but the promise is that it will not overwhelm us. When we walk through fiery things in life, it’s not going to burn or consume us because God is with us.

I also feel impressed to share about the Apostle Paul’s “thorn” that he shared in 2 Corinthians 12. The Bible doesn’t tell us what the thorn in his flesh was, but it does say it tormented him. Three times Paul asks God to take it from him. Three times! 2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬ ‭says, “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.”(ESV) Wow! That’s my goal to be able to boast about my weaknesses because Jesus power rests upon me. And for the record, I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve asked God to rid me of these visual and hearing problems. Too many times to count. Then the unforeseeabke pain of having to see our son deal with it too. Life is not fair. Not many can grasp the frustration, BUT GOD! His grace IS sufficient for HIS power is made perfect in my weakness.

Do you see how God works this in my heart before todays lesson? Oh my goodness! Lord fill me and give me the words to encourage these people today. Life can be tough. and they need the encouragement to surrender to Jesus and let Him help them through life. Say a prayer that seeds will be planted and chains will be broken in Jesus name!

http://www.shannonkhinson.com.

Sheeple

Image found on the internet.


Just a “heads up”, this is NOT a political post. Actually, it’s far from that. I have put off blogging this week. Just praying, thinking and praying some more. Truth is, I’ve been thinking about sheep. How random is that? But I honestly can be “off the wall random” at times. Stick with me as I process this.

Let’s talk about sheep. Not long ago I read a Charles Martin book called The Keeper. In that book, one of the characters repeatedly asks,”What do you know about sheep?” I did a google search just out of curiosity and turns out sheep are quite intriguing. According to http://www.four-paws.org sheep are quite intelligent and have impressive memory. They can recognize other sheep and human faces. Sheep recognize emotions by facial expressions and prefer a smile over a frown. Sheep also developed friendships, sticking up for each other and show sadness. ( https://www.four-paws.org/campaigns-topics/topics/farm-animals/10-facts-about-sheep ) I also discovered sheep have strong flocking and following instincts, being highly social and docile, meaning submissive and willing to accept control. These animals have some fascinating features including their unique eyesight and scent glands not only on their faces but also hind paws. Google for more information on those things. For the sake of this blog, I’m going to stick with the above.

What is so interesting is the Bible refers to us as sheep. Let’s look at Isaiah 53:6, “All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” (NKJV‬‬) Here is another verse referring to us like sheep. “Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.” Psalms‬ ‭100‬:‭3‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬). I could actually reference quite a few verses here, but let’s look back at that list of characteristics. People and sheep do seem to have quite a bit in common and we do accept control and are submissive when persuaded. Thus the term “sheeple”. If you look up that word online it will say people who are like sheep being foolish, docile and easily led. Um…. sounds familiar. We are in need of Jesus. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” John‬ ‭10‬:‭11‬ ‭(NKJV). The comforting image in the Bible of Jesus being our Shepherd, protecting and guiding us. He will leave the 99 to go after one lost sheep who has wandered off. (See Luke 15:4-7) We all need the guidance and loving protection of Jesus. Psalms 23 is so beautiful. Let’s consider the first four verses. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭(NKJV). According to these four verses, Jesus takes care of our needs, as He leads us along the paths of righteousness. Yes He does have to use His rod and staff to guide and direct us. We get out of hand sometimes, but He is always willing to bring us back into the fold. Even when we are going through hard and difficult times, we don’t have to walk in fear. He comforts us. Let’s not be stubborn in our walk but rather submit to His Lordship and pursue a deep satisfying relationship with our Savior.

This is what’s been on my heart lately. I kept thinking and praying about the next thing to do a devotion on with our homeless and low income friends. “What do you know about sheep?”, kept coming to mind. Unless God changes my direction, my blog notes will end up being the devotion notes for Wednesday night. I think I’ll add a music video to end this blog. Be blessed this week and listen closely to the voice of Jesus as He directs our paths.
http://www.Shannonkhinson.com

Gotta Love It

Screenshot of Charlie Kirk’s Memeorial service today.

Truth be told, I am too tired to blog today but after seeing this point in history my exhaustion is going to have to momentarily step aside. I returned home last night from my week away with my deaf girlfriends. Going from one sensory dominance of using vision even though mine is low, (the irony) to being back home where I rely on auditory sensory dominance thanks to my cochlear implant…… I am physically and mentally worn out today. For anyone who doesn’t know, I am legally blind and deaf without my cochlear implant processor on.

This morning I did watch our early church service and will need to watch it again to fully ”get it”. Other than that, I’ve just rested all day. Too tired to nap. I did want to tune in to Charlie Kirk’s Memorial service and I’m so glad I did! I only watched a short bit of it because I truly am exhausted, I did want to see “history in the making”. I also wanted to see Genesis 50:20 in modern times playing out before our very eyes! My spirit is revived seeing “God turning this around”!!!! “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”Genesis‬ ‭50‬:‭20‬ ‭(ESV‬) Won’t He do it!!! You see, what the enemy meant for harm, God is turning around for HIS GLORY!!! Halllelujah!!! That State Farm Stadium was maxed out with people giving tribute to a Legend who loved God and stood for our freedoms! Look at God!!! AND……. thousands and thousands more were outside the stadium!!!! AND…… it was televised to millions!!!!! Thank you Lord for bringing good out of this evil act that was committed when your servant Charlie Kirk was assissinated. Thank you for bringing Glory to Your name through this horrible violence.

Two weeks ago it was a rough week with all that was going on in the nation plus some personal things. The beach trip was much needed. After a shift from rough week mode, to restful vacation mode, back to real life mode, I will be “good to go” soon. Seeing part of the Memeorial service today brought joy to my heart and Praise to my Lord. I was told two weeks ago by a childhood friend who though is a Christian but a polar opposite in political beliefs, that she was on the “right” side of this mess. I just let it go. I can’t change people’s minds but I can pray that God opens spiritual eyes to see things as they really are and stand for unity in Christ. All we can do is PRAY, BE STILL and WATCH THE SALVATION OF THE LORD!

And (I know I’m not supposed to start a sentence with and….. oh well) as is my usual state of being, a song is playing in my heart and it’s probably not the right words. 😂Can’t wait until I get to Heaven so I can sing with the Saints and not have to just move my lips because I can’t carry a tune, until then ”I’m calling on the name, that changes everything. God turn it around, God turn it around, God turn it around….. all of my hope is in the name, the name of Jesus. Victory comes, comes in the name, the name of Jesus”. Umm….. well I think that’s how it goes. That’s how it’s going in my heart right now. As I said I’m tired. Going to sent this off to publish and go rest!!! Excited to see what God’s going to do. I asked Siri to show me a picture of God stomping on the enemy and the below pictures came up. So timely!!!! Be Blessed!

Calculating the Tides

Leasa P took this picture of me.

Today was a different kind of day at the beach. Everyday this week we have gone to the beach and just sat for hours talking, feeding seagulls and soaking up the sun. Today Leasa and I took the kayaks out in the canal. We looked at the tide chart trying to decide the best time to go. Paddling against the tide can be very tiring so we wanted to choose wisely the timing of going. High tide is the easiest time to go but high tide was around 6:00 pm which was a little bit late. We decided to try between low and high tide.

This was my first kayaking outing this year. However I didn’t bring the old cochlear implant processor I use for water activities so I heard nothing while we were out on the water today. I prefer to be able to hear boats and even yelling if my friend is trying to get my attention. She did try to get my attention but I didn’t notice. I told her to stick her paddle up in the air if she wanted to tell me something and I would paddle towards where she was. I can’t see real far but I can a paddle sticking up in the air. We were against the tide half of our course which was a bit tiring. I told her we could turn around if she wanted, but we decided to go for it and reach the turning point. The way back was much easier. At one point she was ahead of me going through the tall grasses in the marsh. I saw the rope from the back of her kayak in the water and grabbed it, slightly hindering her progress. 😂 I was cracking up paddling behind her. It was so much fun.

Our half way point with the ocean in the distance.

Returning to the house, we met up with our other friend Lisa Jane and went on a coastal nature hike. That was very interesting and beautiful. There were signs telling the wildlife in the area and the history. Once again we had to be aware of the tide. A couple was finishing as we were starting off and they warned us to stay on the right trail. The tide waters had covered the left trail. We saw on foot how far we had kayaked, since we walked to the point where we had turned the kayaks back towards the house. It seemed longer on foot than on water. When we were returning on our nature hike, the tide had come in some more and we walked a short portion in a puddle. It was a fun way to see the nature in the area, both by water and on foot.

One of the nature trail signs explaining the moons influence on the tides.
A picture from the nature trail.
Leasa, Lisa and me at the end of the nature trail and the point where we turned the kayaks around on the water.

Tomorrow we will have a regular beach day, sitting by the ocean and soaking up the sun. This has truly been such a relaxing trip and I’m very thankful for the opportunity to just relax with friends and enjoy nature from a coastal perspective. There are all the “attractions” of the beach with shops, shows and museums but taking time to enjoy the natural side of the coast is refreshing.

All photo credits by Leasa P. Be blessed!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Glimpse of His Glory

My view while laying on the beach today.

There is just something about nature that really gets me tuned in to God. Between watching the sunset, watching the tide go in and out, seeing the ripples of the water currents, crashing of waves and seeing the antics of the seagulls makes me think about God our Creator and sustainer, the Author of life itself. Psalms 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.”(ESV‬‬) That scripture is so very true. Between the colors God paints the sunrise and sunset with to the cloud formations, it’s stunning!

This week away has been much needed, especially after last week with things going on in our nation. Looking in the book of Romans it all comes together. Let’s take a look. “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceive, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭(ESV‬‬) That’s where we are folks. Creation clearly proclaims God’s eternal power yet people are spiritually blind as a bat. With the assassination of Charlie Kirk last week and seeing people actually celebrating murder was the most evil thing I’ve ever seen. BUT…. Of course there is a BUT…… from what I understand, church attendance is up and people are turning to prayer. My friends and I sat on the deck last night and watched Central Church of God livestream prayer service. It was amazing! While the enemy tries to keep us divided with misinformation, many are choosing to unite in prayer to seek the face of God!

This morning as I sat on the porch overlooking the canal at the beach, my heart turned to prayer and praise. As I sat there a song I used to play on the piano came to mind and tears came to my eyes. I will add the music video at the end of this blog. It is Well by Kristene Elizabeth DiMarco and Bethel Music. I will put some of the lyrics but the YouTube video has lyrics added. Grander earth has quaked before. Moved by the sound of his voice. And seas that are shaken and stirred, Can be calmed and broken for my regard. Through it all, through it all. My eyes are on you. Through it all, through it all. It is well. Through it all. Through it all. My eyes are on you and it is well, with me. Far be it from me not to believe. Even when my eyes can’t see. And this mountain that’s in front of me, will be thrown into the midst of the sea. I especially love the “bridge”: So let go my soul and trust in him. The waves and wind still know his name. So let go my soul and trust in him. The waves and wind still know his name. (2014 Beth Music and Kristene Elizabeth DiMarco)

That song sure does move me to tears. Having low vision and being hearing impaired, I understand having to depend on faith, even when my eyes can’t see what I am hoping for. I can honestly tell you there are quite a few mountains I’d love to see God throw into the midst of the sea. As I wait, I can be sure that the waves and winds still know His name and because of that fact I can say it is well with my soul.

As I laid on the beach today, I was watching the cloud formation. It was a sunny day but a few clouds rolled in blocking the sun. As I watched the sun would break through different “holes” in the clouds and the sun would shine through. As I watched, the clouds moved together to once again block the sun but there was a “glow” that seemed to come from behind those clouds. It was like glimpses of God’s glory shining forth despite the clouds. That’s just like life. Things happen in life that seem to cloud our vision and bring despair, but we must remember that we might not “see” God, yet He is still there just behind that problem or situation. He is always working behind the scenes to bring about His perfect Will. He always has our best interests in mind. Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus! He is the author and finisher of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2) Jesus begins it, sustains it and brings it to completion. Keep on holding on. Even when life gets “cloudy”, look for glimpses of His glory. They are there. Be blessed! I better go to sleep. It’s almost 1:00 in the morning. Good night.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Forrest “Rang the Bell” 🙌🏼🙌🏼

Forrest Rang the bell today! He is cancer FREE!

Today marks a significant day! It was my brother Forrest’s “Bone Marrow Birthday”. Today marks five year since his bone marrow transplant back in August 2020. All Glory to God! Such a miracle and the family is so thankful. Today as he and his wife went to Duke for his appointment, everything turned out great. From what I understand, Duke no longer has a bell to ring so when they left Duke, they drove to Charlotte and rang the bell there. Forrest sent me this picture and I love the inscription beside the bell.

I remember clearly sitting on the porch praying for him back in 2020 when they found out he would need a bone marrow transplant. I am so thankful God enabled me to play a small role in his miracle by being a “perfect match”. Thank you Jesus for the many miracles that have happened along this journey Forrest and his family endured. It was a hard journey for them but to see all the blessings God has bestowed on them makes it a beautiful masterpiece of God’s handiwork to behold. Indeed, Miracles do happen!

I wore the “Miracles Happen” bracelet until it wore out.

Many of you have followed my blog from the beginning. Every year on Forrest “Bone Marrow Birthday” I have asked permission to share the joys of another year. This year is no different. We give all praise and glory to God for all He has done! We stand amazed and humbled at His grace and mercy. Thank you Jesus! And thank you all for your prayers along the way.

If you or your loved ones are facing a hard, seemingly impossible situation, let me encourage you to pray and trust God for His best. I love the follow scripture. “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭(ESV‬‬)

Www.shannonkhinson.com

The Patching Girl with the Gray Curls

It’s a “no frills” kind of day, with my messy gray curls but I circled my patch so you can spot it.

All silliness aside, I’m four and a half months in with using phototherapy stem cell technology patches and I continue to love the benefits. So why do I patch? In all honestly I was a true skeptic at the end of March when my college friend shared the technology with me. I do trust her though and see the amazing results she’s receiving so I was willing to look more closely. I have read so many incredible testimonies of how these patches have changed peoples lives for the better. The testimonies of real people sharing their real life situations has given me great hope.

I believe God made our body to heal itself. God created our stem cells which are the “master cells” and building blocks in our body. By God’s design, stem cells are found throughout our body and in various organs. Their job is to repair and renew our bodies. Stem cells migrate through the bloodstream to areas of the body most in need of repair and renewal. God is so amazing!

The stem cell patch traps the infrared light emitted from our body and reflects it back into the body. The reflected light stimulates the activation of stem cells. People have experienced notable effects in the first 24 hours and have incredible results in the first year. The stem cell patch supports the activation of healthy stem cells by activating GHK-cu (copper peptides) These copper peptides reset over 4,000 genes to a healthier younger state. By the age of 30 only half of our stem cells are working. By age 60, 90% are dormant. Can you tell I love the science behind this? Biology and anatomy were two of my favorite classes many years ago in college.

While the stem cell patches do not “treat” any specific disease. They activate stem cells and your body uses it where renewal is most needed. However, many people share they have benefitted with less pain, reduced inflammation, better quality of sleep, increased energy, less brain frog and less depression and anxiety. I personally can testify that my depression is way better and I feel so much more balanced. I am very thankful my friend shared this with me.

Yesterday my friend shared about the patching conference she just attended and shared a video from the conference of David Schmidt, the inventor sharing part of his testimony. I had some trouble following the video with my hearing and vision issues. Another friend shared with me about “live captioning” in settings on apple devices and told me how to turn it on. I still had some issues since I can’t read as fast as people speak but she shared. the gist of what he said. He diligently studies the Bible, doing word study, comparing meaning between Greek, Hebrew and numerical meaning. He gives God full credit for his inventions. That was confirmation that I’m on the right path.

Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” (NLT) Faith is active. Another compelling verse is found in James 2. “You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete.”
‭‭James‬ ‭2‬:‭22‬ ‭(NLT‬‬). Jesus himself used some unconventional ways of getting things down. For example, in John 9 Jesus heals a man born blind by spitting on the ground, making mud and placing it on his eyes. He told the man to go and wash in the pool of Siloam and came back seeing. So I’m going to continue patching.

This stem cell patch technology is patented with clinically studies and proven results. It is nontransdermal and noninvasive. While I started in April hoping it will help with my low vision, I am seeing other benefits while I wait: better quality of sleep, more mentally balanced, increased energy, handling stress much better, just to name a few. I’m going to keep praying and see what the Lord allows. He created my body to renew itself. Now where the activated stem cells will end up working is up to the Lord but I trust Him.

I will be having an “Educational Patch Party” in the near future, if you would like to learn more. My friend Kellie and another lady will be presenting the information. If you’d like an invitation to the zoom party, let me know and I’d be happy to send you an invitation.

We can’t grasp the goodness of God. “For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭9‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) AND…… “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬ (NLT‬‬)

So keep believing, keep trusting, keep putting your faith into action because God is working. I’m personally thankful He is using this stem cell patch technology to renew me. Be Blessed and better yet, Be a Blessing!

http://www.shannonkhinson.com

The unlikely Best day

Photo credit Joshua H.

On the road, blogging in the car. Heading home from a few days away with our “original three”: Ron, me and Joshua, plus 5 month old puppy Moose. It had been years since we went away, just us with no friends along for the trip.

We planned the trip about a month in advance, picking a small Airbnb at Ocean Lakes campground in Myrtle Beach, S.C. We figured the campground would be more pet friendly, besides we camped there when Josha was little. It was a different kind of fun but we enjoyed it. The thing about planning in advance, you never know what the weather is going to be like. Last week as I checked the weather, rain was forecast for every single day. Half of me wanted to just cancel and plan again, but coastal weather can change so quickly. (And praise God, it did!).

You know how first impressions can set the stage? Thus was the case. As we pulled into the property we were greeted with an overflowing trash can, with several bags of trash laying beside it. The people that had been there before us had a lot of trash. Wow! We walked up onto the front porch and noticed the ash tray and the smell of cigarette smoke. We were not happy with the place at all but I told the guys we would make the best of it. The cleaning service dropped off a quilt for a bed at 8:30 p.m. that first night and it was damp, not completely dry and useless as there was no dryer in the place. So the stage was set, and it took a positive mindset to push past it.

We rented a golf cart and took Moose cruising around the campground. There is evidently a “boulevard” that everyone cruises in their golf carts, up and down. Some people decorate their golf carts and as you pass each other people high-five everyone. I saw small inflatables attached to many golf carts; a shark, duck, flamingo, to name a few. It was very family friendly and pet friendly too. Although all the noise, headlights and people were a bit much for Moose the first night but he did really well.

We found a dog park inside the campground on Monday and Moose loved that. There were a variety of breeds and ages there and they all played and chased each other. That was Moose’s first experience being around so many dogs and it wore him out. We put him in his crate at the house and took off for the beach.

Moose at the dog park.

I had prayed for some non-rainy weather and God answered. Our first full day was cloudy but we still went to the beach. The surf was very rough and wave after wave knocked me over. One big wave knocked the hat off I was wearing. Coming up from the wave, I caught sight of it and went after it, but another wave crashed on me and the hat went churning further in the surf. Sad thing, it was my Dad’s golf hat. (He passed away in 2021). Tuesday we woke to sunshine and I was so thankful. It was short lived but again no rain until later that evening. Again we took Moose to the dog park before heading to the beach. I was satisfied having prayed for some non-rainy weather so we could enjoy the beach, we had two. Our last full day was forecast for 75% chance of rain. We figured we would find something else to do.

Our last day we woke to clear blue skies and a perfect beach day. We went to the pool then went to the beach. The beach was perfect and the surf relatively calm. We all went out in the water together and the guys even saw some nice size fish jumping in the surf. Joshua said that was a sign he needed to go fishing. We did head for the pier after dinner but rain and lightning had set in. Slightly disappointed we stopped at a gas station for some bottled water and the guys bought lottery tickets on a whim. Ron had never bought one before. I was sitting there laughing and shaking my head as they scratched away on the cards. Joshua won $5 and Ron won $200. We had to go to a Food Lion to exchange the card for cash and the guys split the money.

Moose was a good traveler. Joshua had wanted to see how he would do on the beach but there was really no place to give him a good bath so we stuck with the dog park, which he really enjoyed. Everywhere we took him, he was a people magnet. He did well with the attention and even the little kiddos wanting to pet him.

One of the t-shirts I wore this week says “”Grow in Grace”. I told Ron it was a reminder for us all to not complain about disappointments but to show grace. We tried to refrain from complaining about the Airbnb and instead found something to compliment on. The beds did sleep very well and that was the perk of the place. One day we drove the golf cart to a place within the campground to get hamburgers and brought Moose with us. The hamburgers were cold and I do mean cold. It was like it came from a refrigerator but the cashier was a “ray of sunshine” and that made the experience better. I just laughed as Ron commented on the burgers. I said “ that’s some good lettuce and tomato on that burger. Find the good and it changes the outlook.

All in all, it was a different kind of fun family trip. We enjoyed our time together and are thankful to be heading home to our elderly dog Joy. Mom was so sweet to stay with her while we were gone. Joy is 14.5 years old and has arthritis. I know Moose will be so happy to see her. Mom texted me saying Joy was carrying her turtle toy through the house. Moose loves that toy and she was likely looking for him. She will see him soon.

Thankful for time away with my blessings and thankful to be heading home to our own home. Vacations are nice but there’s no place like home.

Www.shannonkhinson.com