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✔️Marked safe – Camping survival

June 1, 20242 Comments

Just returned from a five day camping trip with my Bible study group to Charleston, SC. One of our friends and her husband have a cute little camper that sleeps four, which was all we needed with our Bible study group of four. It was tight, but we made it work. It takes a special type of friends to be able to exist together for a few days in a small space, being in each others hair, and having no place to escape for alone time. (Except for maybe the tiny bathroom ) But we survived and we had so much fun making memories. Sure some “feathers” got a bit ruffled. Anytime you put four girls together in a small camper, packed in at night like sardines in a (very organized) can, you’re going to see all the glorious sides of your friends. I think it equals “sisterhood”. Gotta love it!

I’m actually sitting here eating organic mango homemade yogurt made from raw milk. It was left over from our week as we really didn’t eat much breakfast except for one day. I will get to that in a minute. I nicknamed one friend “Skinny Paula Dean” because honestly she can make just about anything healthy from scratch. Take the raw milk yogurt for example. She also made home made bread, and brought homemade ice cream from home that she had also made with raw milk and home made vanilla extract. Oh my goodness! It was delicious!One morning she toasted homemade bread, topped with smashed avocado, egg and preservative free bacon. It was divine! I believe we ate better at the camper than we did while we were out.

The trees are so awesome at the Battery.

One friend had never been camping or to Charleston which birthed the idea of going. Tami is the most familiar with the area and she made sure our sister got the full experience of this historic gem. We did a self guided walking tour that Tami lead using a book she bought on her last trip there. We shopped in the outdoor market, did a horse carriage tour that Tami interpreted for us. We visited a church and sat in the pew section George Washington sat in. We walked through an old old old graveyard. We toured a magnificent home, a prison/dungeon used in the civil war and walked through the battery. We also took our friend over the huge bridge (where evidently we aren’t supposed to talk- If you know, you know😂) We also saw Folly Beach and the really nice pier there. My favorite part was seeing the Angel Oak Tree. I’m going to write a separate blog on that part. It was incredible.

One of our friends documented it all in pictures. She has such an eye for detail and sent the pictures pretty much in the order they occurred but adding others pictures in kind of shuffled the chronological order but the trip is seriously worth it’s own photo album.

Liza and Leasa trying to make the fire alarm stop blaring while Tami’s cooking on the camper top range 😂

My sleeping quarters. The table that became a small bed.

The one down fall of an otherwise perfect week was I missed my quiet times in the morning with the Lord. My eyes were so “spent” on communicating with sign language. When I went to sleep at night I read a few verses one night but was tired. Saying a short prayer I went to sleep. I’m thankful that God speaks through multiple ways: through nature, through history, through the Holy Spirits guidance in dealing with situations. I thought on more than one occasion while away, that the people we interact with see our responses and our manners. I hope to be a light to those around me. Do they see Jesus or do they see a tired frustrated person? Life lessons abound everywhere we go if we are willing to let God reveal them to us. It is such a humbling honor to walk with the Lord each day and try to be all He calls me to be. It takes humility and putting others before yourself. It means letting others have their way, but in doing so it keeps the peace.

I’m thankful for my Bible study group who are like sisters. I’m thankful for God’s guidance each day and His gentle correction as we fall short, get up and try again. He is so faithful.

In the next few days I want to reflect on seeing the Angel Oak Tree. That will be my next blog….. Coming soon. I love sharing what God puts in my heart. I certainly can’t do this “on the fly” but when I’m still before God. I pray it’s a blessing to you. If you like it, please feel free to subscribe and pass it along to bless someone else. We all need encouragement. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. I hope it inspires you to never give up in hard situations. God is always there to help us. Surrendering to Him years ago was the best decision I’ve ever made. Be blessed and better yet, be a blessing.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Meet the Squabs #200

May 6, 2024Leave a Comment

Over the weekend the baby mourning doves (called Squabs) hatched. My heart was so full when I realized that the doves had made a nest again on our bakers rack on the front porch. I slightly moved the bakers rack in front of the window so I could observe the nest from inside. I was hoping to get a look at the eggs but the Momma and Pop Dove diligently took turns sitting on the eggs, never giving us a little peek.

Every morning when I opened the blinds I would check on the nest. Saturday was busy with a gender reveal party and spending the day with my Mom. That morning I did not check the nest. At the party, like most social gatherings, I felt kind of lost in the chatter of conversation surrounding me. I don’t comprehend speech well in noise but seeing the little babies made me happy. A little while after the party, Mom and I were at the mall and my husband Ron sent me a picture. The dove eggs had hatched and he sent me a picture of Momma Dove with her two Squabs. This brought such a lightness and joy to my heart. At first I could not see them but after zooming in close I finally did see them. They are precious. I’m going to name them Grace and Peace, because they remind me of God’s grace and peace that He lavishes on us.

Thinking on the hatching process: Life was taking place in that nest under the protection of the Momma and Pop Dove even though we couldn’t see the eggs. Grace and Peace were forming and appeared at the proper time. Life is happening around us when we can’t “see” it. We can be sure that God is developing things in His perfect timing. We just have to trust Him.

We are’t sure exactly when they hatched but Ron noticed them for the first time Saturday. Yesterday we noticed the Squabs alone in the nest. I’m sure Momma and Pop were close by and keeping an eye on them. God is like that. He might be “out of sight” but He is close and keeping an eye on our safety. We just have to trust Him.

Why is it so hard to trust and fully submit everything to Him? As I prepare for our last Bible study lesson in our current book, it’s about being submissive. I waited a few days to make notes for our last meeting, because we skipped meeting last week with two girls out of town. Let me just say, God’s timing is so perfect. When I sat down to study , God did some much needed work in my heart. Jesus is our example and we should totally surrender every hurt, falling short, let down, and frustration over to Him because He loves us so much. There are so many worries and cares in life but the Bible tells us in 1 Peter 5:7 , “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.‭‭ (‭NLT‬‬) Pastor told us yesterday in church that worship was also obedience. When we submit and obey God that is an act of worship. It’s so amazing how God ties it all together; seeing nature, Bible study on submission and Pastors words. Thank you Lord for grace and peace. Thank you Lord for gently teaching me Your mighty ways. I am humbled and so beyond thankful. Continue your wonderful work in me as You continue to examine my heart and mold me into the woman you desire me to become.

On a side note, I’d love to get a little camera to view the Squabs when they learn to fly. I’m going to talk to Ron about that idea. Not sure what he will say but oh the joy tha would bring, seeing the young ones gain their independence to become all God has called of them. That’s just like us. There are more lessons here. Now if I can get Ron to get that camera.

This is actually my 200th blog post! I love sharing what God puts in my heart. I pray it’s a blessing to you. If you like it, please feel free to subscribe and pass it along to bless someone else. We all need encouragement. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. I hope it inspires you to never give up in hard situations. God is always there to help us. Surrendering to Him years ago was the best decision I’ve ever made. Be blessed and better yet, be a blessing.
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When you PUSH through

April 9, 2024Leave a Comment

We all encounter things in life that seem to be blocking our path. It could be something hindering you from moving forward. It could also be a lack of resources to reach your goal. I will throw in one more, lacking ability to reach your destination. Whatever the obstacle is, you’ve got to push through or find a way around it.

This week I’ve been studying some of the women of the Gospels. The account of the woman with the bleeding condition in Mark 5 beginning with verse 25, has always resonated with me. I mean the testimony of this women has always stirred me inside since I was young. Why? Well I can relate to suffering from something for many years. I can also relate to seeing many doctors who couldn’t really help. Besides the doctor who did my cochlear implant surgery in 2006, my incredible audiologist, and the doctor who assisted me when our son was born, the rest of them weren’t so helpful. ( well honestly they help with general things but not the hearing and vision issues) I’ve had a total of five eyelids surgeries and found out one was not even needed. That’s a little hint to my wariness of doctors.

As I studied to prepare for our weekly Bible study, once again the woman with the bleeding condition stirred my heart. One thing about teaching on a subject, you end up going a bit deeper. I have seen the story so many times but never really considered how negatively her bleeding condition impacted her life. Back in the Old Testament, people with a continuous discharge of any kind were considered unclean. What they laid on or sat on was unclean. Leviticus 15 explains the Old Testament laws concerning these things.

So this woman has suffered for 12 years with this bleeding condition. She has depleted her financial resources by seeing many doctors who could not help. She in fact got worse. Think of her physical, emotional, social and spiritual distress for 12 long years.

The word had spread of Jesus, His power and healing touch. Everyone must have been talking about Jesus and the special ministry of healing and compassion He shared. The woman heard that Jesus was there and she wanted to touch the edge of His robe. Mark‬ ‭5‬:‭27‬-‭29‬ says, “She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him through the crowd and touched his robe. For she thought to herself, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.” Immediately the bleeding stopped, and she could feel in her body that she had been healed of her terrible condition.”(NLT‬‬)

That sounds like a pretty bold act of faith on her part. The crowd was pressing in on all side. She was probably weak and tired from blood loss. People in the crowd who knew her were possibly wondering ”Why is she here? She’s unclean”. She obviously didn’t care what the people thought. She was determined to get through the crowd and touch the hem of Jesus robe. She believed. She had great faith and acted n it. As a result she was healed immediately. Everywhere the Bible is shared, the story of her faith can encourage others.

She did not let the stigma of her condition prevent her from pushing through the crowd. She didn’t let her weakened condition or the pressing crowd hinder her. She was determined to push through and touch Jesus.

Is something stopping you from reaching out to Jesus in faith? Are you afraid of what others might think? God wants us to step out in faith. James 2‬:‭22‬ ‭, says, “You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete.”(NLT‬‬) James‬ ‭2‬:‭26‬ goes on to say, “Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.”‭‭( NLT‬‬) Lord help us have that kind of faith that moves and acts, believing and trusting you.

Years ago there was a woman at our church with kidney problems. She had gone up to the front of the church for prayer. I felt a prompting to go pray for her but I resisted. I was like, “Lord who am I to go pray for her?Can’t I pray for here from where I am?” A period of time passed and there was an altar call at another church service. Many people had gone forward for prayer and the lady was on the stage. Once again I felt a prompting to go up and pray for her. This time I obeyed. She told me later she had the best week following that.
What if we always acted promptly in faith, believing God for the impossible? Just like the woman with the bleeding condition who was determined to act in faith. The more we get to know Jesus and spend time in His Word (the Bible)the more likely we will walk in genuine faith. Praying, acting in faith, and watching to see what only God can do. He is God of the impossible. I love Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬-‭21‬, “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. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.”(NLT‬‬)

I pray this blog post has been a blessing to you. If you like it, please feel free to pass it along to bless someone else. We all need encouragement. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. I hope it inspires you to never give up in hard situations. Push through. God is always there to help us. Surrendering to Him years ago was the best decision I’ve ever made. Be blessed and better yet, be a blessing.
Www.shannonkhinson.com

Because “It is Finished”

March 29, 2024Leave a Comment

Today is “Good Friday” and I’m so thankful to know Jesus as my Lord and Savior. The horror of what Jesus endured for us is so beyond my comprehension.

Here is a little bit of the account after the horrific crucifixion. “At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. At about three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” Some of the bystanders misunderstood and thought he was calling for the prophet Elijah. One of them ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, holding it up to him on a reed stick so he could drink. But the rest said, “Wait! Let’s see whether Elijah comes to save him.” Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead. They left the cemetery after Jesus’ resurrection, went into the holy city of Jerusalem, and appeared to many people. The Roman officer and the other soldiers at the crucifixion were terrified by the earthquake and all that had happened. They said, “This man truly was the Son of God!””
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭27‬:‭45‬-‭54‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) and another, “When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” John‬ ‭19‬:‭30‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

On this “Good Friday” (I always have wondered why they named it Good Friday with the torture that Jesus endured for us and His death.) Let’s allow this to sink in. He who knew no sin, took our place on that cross. Jesus was the perfect sacrificial lamb . He sacrificed His life on the cross so that we could live when we accept Him as Savior, ask Him into our hearts , confessing our sins and need of His grace. The highest price He paid and the death He died, so we could live.

It’s Friday, but Sunday is coming.

Jesus is now seated at the right hand of The Father. Check our Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭14‬-‭16‬,“So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”(NLT‬‬)

Do you know Jesus as Lord and Savior?He loves you so much He died on the cross for you. It’s Friday but Sunday’s coming. Not only that but He conquered the grave. He rose again on the third day.

Salvation doesn’t depend on a certain location. Where ever you are right now, you can confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you. Ask Jesus into your heart today to change your life around for His glory. Romans 10:9-10 says, “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” ‭(NLT‬‬)

To end this blog I want to share a music video. Check it out.

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Be Kind

March 13, 2024Leave a Comment

As I get older, thankfully I’ve gained some wisdom along the way. I finally stopped coloring my hair and my word… it is full of gray, much more than I realized. But I’d like to thank I’v earned each one of them.

God has taught me many things in life. I wish I had been quicker in learning some of them when I was younger. Mistakes are a great teacher. Live and learn and pass on the gleamed wisdom to the next generation.

One thing I have learned in life is to be the kind of person you’d like to be friends with. If you want to meet kind and compassionate people, be kind and compassionate. If you long to find a good listener who speaks life into your situations, be that kind of person to others.

I absolutely love to serve others. It is something I can do and it makes my heart happy. Today as I prepared the beans for the homeless ministry that we have gotten involved with, it made me happy to contribute in some way. As we served in Rock Hill this evening, I saw one of our new homeless friends and I called out his name in greeting. Everyone is deserving of kindness. It doesn’t matter the situation just be kind.

Another thing I’ve learned in life is to reach out to others. Earlier today I was in our home office doing Bible study and making notes to share. I also texted several different people to encourage them or let them know I was thinking about them. I told Ron, “Just imagine if I could hear well enough to talk to people on the phone.” He laughed. Honestly it makes people feel good when they are thought of. The heart does a happy dance when you know people love and care. Reach out and encourage people. Imagine how much better the world would be if people did that more.

Another value lesson I’ve learned is to know my limits. Last week was honestly too busy. Being hearing and visually impaired is tiring on a day to day basis. I have to work to understand. It takes longer to do things but I love the challenge. It is just a fact of life. However I refuse to “sit on the sidelines”. I prefer to LIVE. So besides the usual day to day, I also did Food pantry volunteering, RiceNBeans cooking and outreach and prepped and taught a long Bible study. With the high pollen here in South Carolina my allergies had flared up and my eyes were so very DRY. This made seeing my notes that were “zoomed in large” hard to see. I had signed up to participate in a 5K at our church but it was forecast to rain. I was exhausted. I felt the rain was God giving me an “out” for the 5K. Im sad I missed it but I was beyond my limit and I needed rest. This week I’m back at it but asked the Bible study girls if we could divid the lessons in two parts. It’s more manageable for me and gives us more of a chance to discuss life application. It’s okay to ask for a favor. It’s more than okay to request prayer. It’s okay to say “I’m sorry I can’t but will join next time.”

It is also fine to not see “eye to eye”with everyone about everything. Healthy calm discussions are needed. We have a generation that is so confused by nonsense in our culture and easily offended. It’s important to have the “hard talks” and pass along wise council. Just be sure to do it respectfully, trying to see the other persons point of view. There are so many angles to view a situation.

It’s also vital to demonstrate leadership skills and a faithful walk with Jesus. The other night I had a rare opportunity of a deep talk with our son. Those talks don’t happen often since he is grown and own his own. As I listened to his hopes and dreams and how he wanted to move forward, I had to seize that opportunity to stress the importance of bringing God into each of those decisions. Our kids no matter the age need to know how much they are loved. I said, “ God loves you so much. Way more than me and dad. Imagine that.” Each and every decision God wants to be a part of. You know you can talk to God about anything. Our Abba Father cares about every thing. I told Joshua, “ You can pray that God will open a door or opportunity or close it, after all He knows what’s behind each door.” Love, direct and pray over your kids no matter what their age. They are a treasure from the Lord.

There is so much more but I will end with this last thing. Trust God. God is working even when we don’t see it. Last week at Bible study the oldest in our group shared the idea of God weaving a beautiful masterpiece. Each one of us is a
“thread”. We all come together as God chooses, as a little part of the bigger masterpiece. Isn’t that beautiful? She’s raised three kids and has a bunch of grandkids. She shares the wisdom she’s gleamed in many trails. I know I can always ask her for prayer. Recently when a situation was discouraging, I texted her and asked her to pray. She reminded me that “God was busy weaving”, He is always working on us. Trusting is hard especially when you don’t yet “see” the answers to your prayers. Just know God is working out His best and while we don’t see the BIG PICTURE, He does. He will bring it all together. Just trust Him.

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Barren

March 3, 2024Leave a Comment

Pondering on a deep level tonight. We have a few lessons left in the Bible study book some friends and I are doing. I’ve noticed that quite a few of the women of the Bible we have studied were barren for a long time before God turned things around. Here are a few of the ladies: Sarah, Rebekah, Hannah and Elizabeth.

This week we will discuss Elizabeth, John the Baptist mother. The thing about Elizabeth is she was faithful to God through her barrenness. Sarah took matters into her own hands and gave her maid servant Hagar to Abraham as a wife, so she could have children through her. Rebekah told Jacob to give her children or she would die. But Elizabeth faithfully served God in her barrenness.

As my friend Tami and I were wrapping hotdogs for Rice N Beans ministry last Wednesday afternoon, she said barrenness could be more than physical. We can be barren in other ways. For example, praying for years for something and God seemingly says no. He could possibly be saying wait, or maybe it’s Yes to His best. His timing is indeed perfect but there is heartache in the wait. It’s a goal to be thankful in the trials. Not complaining but being thankful. I have a pet peeve over people that complain about rival things. I won’t go down that rabbit hole.

Back in Biblical days it was a disgrace to be barren. Imagine the talk of the people. You know gossip has existed since time began. Imagine Elizabeth in the market place, neighbors see her and say, “It’s sad she has never conceived.” We don’t know that for sure but knowing human nature, it probably did occur. I have friends who have prayed for their prodigals a long time. I have a college friend going through the process of lung transplant. It’s a long process she has to endure. Some have prayed for things for so long and you wonder, God are you listening? Of course he is. His timing is always perfect. Although from a human perspective it seems so off.

There is a young man who takes notes at church and shares them on the Bible app. I like to read them and see if I missed anything. Last week I missed something Big. Pastor had asked if we want to be “delivered or developed.” Whoa what a huge question. Pastor said he would rather be developed. I hope one day I can honestly say that. If God chose to deliver me from hearing and vision difficulties I’d be jumping with Joy over here. If God chose to deliver my son from similar issues and never healed me, I would be over joyed. Life is down right tough. You don’t think about it you just push through. See where God is at work and dive in and help. But being busy doesn’t take the heartache away. Being silent and not talking about it doesn’t make it any easier. It is easier for me to focus on serving and making things easier for others. That does help. It is also easier to just keep to the norm. When I get out and do things I notice more what I miss and it stings. Just being honest here. But on the other hand, getting out with people who’s understand encourage is a breath of fresh air.

This evening a friend texted me and as we were talking I shared with her some of my story she didn’t know. She said “wow.” I said, “If you only knew”. Life is challenging in so many ways that it’s almost funny. Here is a little example, the other night I was heating some apple cider in the microwave. I have some difficulty (ok honestly great difficulty ) seeing the control panel. I thought I set the timer for one minute and forty five seconds. I accidentally put it on 11 minutes and forty five seconds. I couldn’t see the double 1. I could just see one of them. I walked to a different room for something and came back in the kitchen. Realizing my mistake I quickly stopped the microwave and sure enough, it was splattered all over the inside. Welcome to my adventurous life. 🙃

I wonder what its life to have smooth sailing in life. You know, the joys of understanding people without having to work at it . Being able to read without using some assistive device. Getting in a car and driving where you want to go. These are just some simple pleasures normal people take for granted without even thinking abut it.

No I’m not having a pity party. I’m just pondering life as I prepare for a bible study. I feel like I live out some of these stories. Take Elizabeth, she had joy and a song in her heart. It is kind of odd but I often wake up with a song playing in my heart. Thank you Jesus for joy in the trials. I want to say I’d rather be developed like Pastor said but I’d honestly take deliverance. It’s just been so long. God definitely has me in a developing fire. I only hope when people see me, they see Jesus strength because I can’t do it on my own.

There is something about praise and worship, it is a release. When you offer up a song of praise it’s like an aroma that is pleasing to the Lord. It’s good to meditate on Gods goodness. Mediate on His sovereignty. He is in control even when it doesn’t feel like it. He’s got the big picture in mind. He is always working behind the scenes. Working in circumstances to develop our character, endurance and faith. He is refining us as a silversmith. Oh Lord give us patience in the wait.

I am going to wrap this up. I’ve done enough pondering on biblical application for one night. On one last note, the one thing about each of the ladies we studied who were barren, God did remember them and brought favor and blessing. He actually worked in mighty ways in each circumstance. If yu are like me and in a seemingly LONG waiting game, just hold on. God will bring us through. He is faithful. He who began a good work, will complete it for His glory.

f you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

It’s been one of those “PUSH through” days

February 12, 2024Leave a Comment

Sitting here at nearly 9 pm EST, on a Monday night in February, sweating. Here in upstate South Carolina, it has rained all day with temperatures pretty steady in the 50s with 95% humidity.

It has been a “Push through it” kind of day from beginning until now. Rainy Mondays can be that way. I went to sleep last night wearing my Fitbit. It vibrates when a text comes in, so AT&T was my alarm clock, with an automatic text telling me my payment was made. (Like I don’t know that?) I was in a deep sleep, dreaming I was on a pier with a dove on my arm. Very interesting. Would have liked to know the end of it.

While I can feel the Fitbit vibrate, I can’t see anything on the little screen when it lights up. Thankfully it is synced with my iPad so I could check the text. Seeing it was nothing worth even checking, I got up to make some coffee. Thirty minutes later my friend Leasa texted to see if I’d go to Home Depot with her to help her find something to finish a project. I was still half a sleep and my question was, “How soon?” I ended up quickly washing my face and throwing on some clothes. She picked me up about 20 minutes later and we were off. After talking to several men there about the project she was doing, we finally found what she needed. During the process, she told me all about a movie she and her husband saw yesterday. We grabbed some Chick-fil-A then she brought me home.

My husband and I had planned to go to the gym to workout, but I still felt tired. I told him to give me about an hour and maybe I’d be ready to go. In the meantime, he helped me register for a 5k that our church is having. I’m not a runner, but plan to walk it with some friends. I finally said, “Okay let’s go”. Ron asked, “Are you sure you feel like it?” I replied, “No but let’s get it done.” Nothing like signing up for an event to get moving.

We got to the gym and started on the treadmills. Usually we just warm up for about 20 minutes then continue with strength training. Today I went two miles at a good pace then went looking for Ron in the weight area. He was wearing a red shirt so I figured he would be easy to find, with my low vision. But several guys were wearing red today. I finally found him and told him where I would be. Usually we stick together but today we did different things. The thing is, with my low vision I don’t always see people on the machines until I’m just a few feet away. Oh boy and being tired from that two mile walk didn’t help matters. Ron is a sweetheart. He came up to help me on the machines and I told him I hadn’t really seen the guy on the machine I wanted to use, but I “played it off”. I don’t think the guy noticed I didn’t see him. Welcome to my crazy life. We both got a good workout in and I was one sweaty mess. Nothing like pushing through a day when you just aren’t feeling it and it’s rainy and muggy outside.

This 5K event is something to keep me accountable with walking and strength training. Doing different types of things can be a bit unnerving at times though. The last time I did a 5K was about 9 years ago. That one I ran but I didn’t know the course. The directions were marked out on signs that I could not see. Oh my word, but I finally did cross the finish line. This time I’m going to do it with friends and they will help me know where to go.

There is nothing like good friends that get you moving. Whether it’s a quick run in the morning to Home Depot, doing Bible study, doing mission work or preparing for a 5K to do together. It’s worth pushing through to do whats is needed.

It’s almost time to “call it a day and hit the hay”. I’m glad I pushed through this day. It’s been a full one and it’s fulfilling to reach bedtime and say It’s been a good day even with the AT&T wake up text and muggy rainy weather. Tomorrow will be another busy day but it will be another fulfilling one volunteering at the food pantry then spending some time with my Mom.

I hope you all have an awesome week. Just “push through it” even when you don’t feel like it. You will be glad you did. Good night everybody.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Down a deep rabbit hole

January 31, 2024Leave a Comment

History has always fascinated me. When it comes to family history it becomes personal. It’s just amazing to try tracing your ancestry line. Last October i found the Ancestry App and asked my husband if I could subscribe to research my family tree. I took a deep dive and am still digging.

It’s like going down a deep rabbit hole and it is truly fascinating. The Ancestry App has government census reports, birth certificates, death certificates, marriage and divorce documentation plus more. The thing is, you need names. The further you trace your family from yourself, you start having to make educated guesses. These census papers were handwritten and let me tell you, they didn’t always put the same thing. Sometimes it shows initials with the last name and sometimes it is spelled out. You can match up dates and locations and figure it out the best you can. One of my aunts nieces told me about http://www.find-a-grave.com Sometimes the website will list spouse, parents, siblings and children. The keyword there is “sometimes”. I have found that’s not always true.

On my dad’s side of the family, I’ve been able to trace back to 1777. How cool is that! My great great grandfather was a Captain in the Confederate army. I’ve had to “jump some hurdles” though and it’s been an headache at times. My Nanny Kenley’s dad was called Punk. Nanny’s brother was called Uncle Stumpy. No, those weren’t their real names. I got my mom to look to see if there were any papers and what she gave me “connected a lot of dots”. The names she had given me to enter into the system helped me find the records relating to Nanny’s family. As I searched and found them I said, “BINGO”! Yeah!

On my mom’s side, I’ve discovered much that I didn’t know. My grandmother had 11 siblings. My grandfather had a big family too. It’s kind of sad that they didn’t stay intact. Out of all those great aunts and uncles on my mom’s side, I only knew a couple of them.

On my dad’s side I knew my great aunts and great uncles. Even dad’s cousins and their kids. I love these connection. My husband and I have only one son. I have one brother. It seems we have a real small family. As I have researched, I see the family roots run deep and it’s nice to see that connection. Nanny’s family traces back to Ireland. It looks like mom’s side of the family may have come from France. Im still looking. Hopefully I will be able to print or share the information I’ve found with my brother and cousins. I don’t know if they will be as intrigued as me but I have really enjoyed this search.

In the ancestry file dad had, he had some papers on some of Nanny’s ancestors. There is a story that shows a generous spirit. I love the idea of have a legacy of generosity.

As I’ve made these connections within my family tree, I wonder about their lives. I think about my great great grandfather that fought for our freedom. Freedoms that are being taken away by our present government.

Worry will get us no where though. God is sovereign and I will just continue to pray for His direction. As for me, I hope to pass along a legacy of faith, resilience, love and compassion for others. We are called to humbly love and serve others. Lord help us to do just that and do it for Your glory.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Cycles

January 21, 20241 Comment

This afternoon I was going through my notes app and noticed I made an entry on September 5, 2023 with the title “Cycles” and Psalms 106. That was it. I had written nothing else in that particular note. Often times a topic will come to mind and I will enter it with a scripture to come back to later. This is one of those cases.

Cycles? Why would I want to write on that topic? Call me odd, but I find the cycles of human behavior quite interesting. People start something, then they stop, then they start again then they stop…. Over and over it goes. Bad habits come into the picture. Sin comes into the picture. Speaking of sin, humanity is stubborn! Oh my goodness. I’m reading through the Bible again and right now I’m in the book of Exodus. The Israelites were SOOOO stubborn. Wow!

Psalms 106 really sums up Exodus pretty well. Let me share some verses here but by all means go read it. Let’s start with this: “Like our ancestors, we have sinned. We have done wrong! We have acted wickedly! Our ancestors in Egypt were not impressed by the Lord’s miraculous deeds. They soon forgot his many acts of kindness to them. Instead, they rebelled against him at the Red Sea. Even so, he saved them— to defend the honor of his name and to demonstrate his mighty power. He commanded the Red Sea to dry up. He led Israel across the sea as if it were a desert. So he rescued them from their enemies and redeemed them from their foes. Then the water returned and covered their enemies; not one of them survived. Then his people believed his promises. Then they sang his praise. Yet how quickly they forgot what he had done! They wouldn’t wait for his counsel!”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭106‬:‭6‬-‭13‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Do you see the cycles?

We modern day people aren’t much better. History tends to repeat itself. We are born in flesh and sin. We are all in need of the salvation Jesus freely gives. Without the help of the Lord, the cycle of sin keeps repeating itself. ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭57‬-‭58‬ says, “But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.”(NLT‬‬) We have a loving God who willl forgive us when we truly confess and repent of our sins. Jesus gives us the victory over the cycle of sin.

This week my Bible study group is starting back up with our weekly study. Our lesson this week is on Bathsheba. So many life applications to learn from her and King Davids mistakes. One of the points of study is “Faith after failure”. King David wrote Psalms 51 after the prophet Nathan had called out Davids adultery with Bathsheba. It is such a beautiful cry of a true repentant heat. We all sin and fall short of the glory of God. But when we do, may we always genuinely confess our sin, agreeing with what God says is right and wrong. May we change and surrender our desires to Jesus for His direction. I absolutely love Psalms‬ ‭51‬:‭10‬-‭12‬,“Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.” (NLT)‬‬. God can use even our mistakes for His glory. Oh the beauty of the ways of the Lord! Psalms‬ ‭51‬:‭17‬ tells us, “The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.” (NLT‬‬)

Surrender to Jesus and let him break the cycle of sin in your life. He is more than enough. If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Astounding

January 15, 2024Leave a Comment

Ever had times when things left you awe stuck and amazed? Recently I finished reading through the book of Genesis in the Bible. I’ve read this many time but this time the story of Josephs life hit me differently. It’s one thing to hear teaching on a few verses at a time, and a whole different thing to read the story though and get a full picture. Not only that but God can give you new insight each time you read something. You can come away with something fresh.

The incredible magnitude of God’s faithfulness in each affliction Joseph faced in his life had me in tears. From being thrown into a cistern by his jealous brothers, to being sold as a slave by those same brothers, being thrown into prison unjustly, to rising to the second highest in Egypt…..God was steadfastly faithful in each and every affliction. As I read with tears rolling down my cheeks, I said, “God you are SO faithful”.

How many of us can say that we don’t complain in the hard times?Anybody? I know I can’t. I do try to always see God’s ways in whatever I’m enduring but many times I fall flat on my face in that regard. Each time Joseph put his faith in God, in the midst of his trial. Each time God faithfully provided Joseph with favor to endure, even thrive through it all. There are so many lessons we can learn from Joseph’s life.

Today as I wrapped up the book of Genesis, Joseph’s father Jacob died and Joseph’s brothers are afraid that Joseph’s anger will come out from being treated so wrongly so many years ago. From a human perspective, Joseph’s brother’s had it coming. But watch how Joseph responds to his brothers after their father’s death. “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭50‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) Wow! Such amazing grace and forgiveness!

The grace and integrity Joseph showed throughout his life is something we should strive for. To develop the ability to trust God in the “land of affliction”. May we trust the sovereignty of God and trust He is working it out according to His purposes.

Sometimes the trials, afflictions or tests last a long time. May we learn to be fruitful for the glory of God through it all. May we learn to say “Yes Lord I’m going to praise you through this storm.” The song Yes I Will just came to mind. I will see if I can attach a music video at the end of this blog.

Praise God through it all! Learn to forgive those that hurt you. You might need to even forgive yourself. Don’t beat yourself up when you fall short. Confess, repent and then let it go. God is faithful through it all.

You may come to a point where you need to forgive God. I’ve known people who have been angry with the Lord for having to endure hardship and health situations. People get hung up on “Why am I going through this? Why am I STILL here Lord?” Still in the cistern. Still in the prison. You get the idea? God uses those things to mold us. Malachi 3:3 says, “He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold and silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the Lord.”
‭ ‭(NLT‬‬). Even Job says the following after his many hard trials, “But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.” Job‬ ‭23‬:‭10‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

Trust God. Trust His sovereignty Read His Word and learn His character. You are so greatly loved. Here are some more verses to learn from. “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭(NIV‬‬)

I could go on and on here but I’ve done enough writing and sharing for the day. Learning from Josephs life has blessed me and I pray the lessons I’ve shared in this blog bless you as well. If you or a loved one are facing a hard time, Hang in there. God is not finished with you yet. He is doing a new thing. He can make a way where there isn’t one. Trust Him. Trust His process. ““For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭(NIV‬);. Let’s trust Him.