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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.

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.

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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.

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GREATness

January 11, 20243 Comments

You most likely won’t guess the subject of this blog from the title. I won’t keep you in suspense. An old friend of mine that I used to work with calls all her great-nieces and great-nephews , Greatness #1, Greatness #2 and so on. I love her idea and want to use it as well. Wednesday night Greatness #3 was born in our family. I couldn’t be more excited.

Are you wondering why in the world I’m doing such a “happy dance” over here? Here’s the thing, I absolutely love seeing my brother’s family grow! You see, almost four years ago he was diagnosed with acute leukemia and there was so much uncertainty for the future. Although we trusted and continue to trust our Great God who holds our futures.

Today my brother is three and a half years post bone marrow transplant. He and his family went through such an ordeal and he is now thriving! This makes my heart so happy! Not only that , but he got to walk his daughter down the aisle a couple of years ago and he and his wife now have three grandchildren. What a beautiful miracle and to watch it all unfold. I thank God for these beautiful blessings to witness.

If you, your family or someone you know are going through a difficult time, please don’t lose hope. Put your faith and hope in Jesus. He has proven over and over in my life and my family that He is our “Anchor“ that holds us steady in the storms of life. Be blessed and keep trusting Jesus. Keep holding on.

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

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Crossover in sight

December 28, 2023December 28, 2023Leave a Comment

Many of my blog cover pictures from this year.

Just a few more days and 2023 will be behind us. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for a fresh new year. At the beginning of 2023 God dropped the word “soar” in my heart. At the time I had no clue why. Honestly, I’m still not quite sure. The year did seem to SOAR by. It seems like it just started and here we are near 2024.

2023 was a year of growth. God has worked with me on overcoming some fears. I will get to that in a minute. Getting feedback from my husband Ron, I evidently have grown in the area of peace. There is peace in my heart even though life is full of uncertainties. At the end of the day, I am confident in who holds my future and I can say 100% that God is faithful and so so GOOD!

About overcoming some fears, I’m learning more and more that I can trust God with everything. Everything can range from family health issues, fear of inadequacies, frustrations with our culture and how to live a life of humility. The list goes on. I’d like to share two key things I learned this year. There’s a big third but some things involve others and I respect their desire for confidentiality.

Late in the Spring, Ron bought us two “sit on top” kayaks. This was such a surprise that he agreed to buy us two. He is not yet a “Kayak lover” but I have hope. We are only about five or six miles from the nearby lake. Since we used to have a SeaDoo, I’m familiar with the water and area. I feel comfortable as I sort of know my way around.

Truth be told, there is an adventure element because my vision is 20/400. Yes you read that right. BUT I can see enough to do it and I love the water. Respecting the challenges, dangers, my limitations, the unknown and being willing to learn is all part of it. I started out on a two seater kayak but I wanted to be free. Being on a one seater with my limitations is pressing it, but God has given me a sound mind to approach the adventure with sound judgement.

I finally got Joshua, our 25 year old son to go with me. He thought he was going to wear me out, but he was in for a surprise, as my endurance gave him a “run for his money”. He also has a vision problem, however his is not nearly as bad as mine. I let him decide on our destination. He remembered an island way out in the lake, back from when we used to SeaDoo. So we set off. We didn’t know how far it was. All we knew was the general direction. We paddled and paddled for quite a while. Getting a bit tired, I finally told him if we didn’t see the island or reach it within 30 minutes, we would turn around. 30 minutes later we had almost reached the island. Talking about a huge accomplishment. We got out of the kayaks at the island and swam around for a bit and rested. Then we had to paddle all the way back. What an adventure! Perseverance , courage, stamina and sheer will to finish what we started. We made a goal and reached it!

The next big challenge to overcome came about in August. My Bible study group had decided to break over the summer and pick back up in September. Our leader got involved in a small group at her church and told us we could go ahead. I was totally stunned when the girls asked me to lead. I agreeded to try but inside I was like, “Lord are you kidding me? I can’t see the book. How in the world am I supposed to do this?” Truth be told I still feel that way. I know my limitations and God knows His power to work in them. I gave in and let Him have His way. I can’t but God can. I oftentimes feel so inadequate. There is a saying, God does not call the quipped, He equips the called. Wow. Boy am I a testament to that. I’m not saying I’m called, but I have definitely made my inadequate self available. We are going to pick back up in January. I can’t wait to see what God has in store.

The third thing I mentioned which I can’t fully disclose but I can share vaguely. It’s been the latter part of the year. Some experiences we had never faced. God has taught me to trust Him more. He has impressed upon me humility. Putting others before myself even if it costs me. Listening even though it wears me slap out with not hearing very well with my cochlear implant processor. That’s something I hope to get right in 2024. 2023 was not a good hearing year, probably due to menopause and hormonal changes. Who knows. I’m not going to worry about it. I’ve learned to say, God this is all I have, help me to make it be all it needs to be. I can’t hear but I can listen and I’ve done a whole lot of that this year. Listen to others needs and pray, pray and pray some more. God has taught me to speak wisdom over situations and trust Him. So it’s definitely been a year of growth, which has soared in some ways.

Im thankful that God still allows me to put into writing the many things He continues to teach me. I have continued to blog each week during this year. Ron got me a real keyboard that magnetically attaches to my iPad. It makes blogging so much easier to be able to “feel” the keys as I type. Me and touch screens don’t get along. To date there have been 5,210 views. Here are my end of the year stats for blogging. This is post #60 for this year. That’s 40.9K words this year, averaging around 693.4 words per post, reaching countries round the world but mostly in the USA. This is no reason for pride but simple gratitude. I could not do it without God. I wouldn’t even want to try.

God has not yet given me a word for 2024. I’m not sure if He will. I do know I will continue to strive to be empty so He can fill and use me in whatever way He desires. As we bring 2023 to a close I can say it is well with my soul. I will wrap this up with Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬-‭14, “No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” (NLT‬‬)

At this point in life if a song could show my testimony I would choose It is well by Bethel Music. I will attach the YouTube music video with lyrics below. Be blessed and Happy New Year. May you experience the love of Jesus like never before.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Heart full of joy

December 26, 2023Leave a Comment

Candle light service at Fort Mill Church of God. Photo credit Joshua Hinson.

On this day after Christmas, I find myself reflecting. It’s been the perfect day for it, with rain pouring most of the day. It’s kind of like silent pondering after a busy time of celebration.

After almost thirty years of marriage, raising a son who no longer lives at home, Christmas time has changed a bit. This is also our third Christmas without my Dad. He loved this time of year and would have liked that Mom decorated two trees this year. She always does a beautiful job making her house look festive for Christmas.

We never really know how Christmas will unfold even with traditions. The week before Christmas our son was in Florida and we weren’t sure if he would be back in time for our Christmas Eve plans. With adult kids, you never really know how it’s all going to play out. Thankfully our son made it back in town just in time to join us and Grandma for the Christmas Eve candlelight service at Fort Mill Church of God. This was the church we raised Joshua in. We went there for seventeen years.

As we walked in we saw some familiar faces and got a few hugs. I was surprised that we each got a real candle. Mom signed for me. Well she tried her best as the Pastor speaks so very fast. It was an unusual Christmas Eve service but it was so very meaningful. I assumed we would sing the usual Christmas carols and hear the Christmas story. I was so moved by the worship. We gathered to celebrate Jesus birth and the music Pastor led us in beautiful anointed worship of Jesus our King. The Pastor spoke on Revelations 5. He brought it all together from Genesis to Revelations…. JESUS! We had communion then one by one everyone’s candle was lit as we sang O come let us adore Him. It was one of the highlights of this Christmas.

After the service we drove to Waffle House which is our tradition. Why Waffle House? It’s usually the only thing open but the place was packed. We did find a Mexican restaurant close by and had a nice dinner there, enjoying time with Grandma. We usually also ride around to see Christmas lights but Grandma was tired and Joshua was too. After a short visit at her house we headed home. Joshua spent the night with us.

The very best gift was spending time with our son. He always has a friend or two with him so it’s not often to get his undivided attention. Even though he was tired, we talked for hours. It was like old times and it was pure JOY!

Late Christmas afternoon, we went to Grandmas to meet up with my brother’s family and celebrate again. My two year old great niece was there and she brought such joy and smiles. She took her little baby doll into the study room to “change the diaper”. She had her little diaper changing cloth on the floor. As she looked up on the wall, she saw Great Grandpas golf ball collection and she wanted to see a few. Gigi (my Mom) got several down for her. She placed them on her diaper changing cloth. It was so cute. I know my Dad would have loved that. It’s the little things that bring a big smile to my heart.

So this Christmas is a wrap and it’s “one for the books”. It was wonderful! It’s not about the gifts that were exchanged. What made it extra special was the meaningful candlelight service, long talks with our son and time with family. Those things are priceless. My heart is full and I am truly thankful. I pray you all had a wonderful time of celebration and time spent with the special people in yours life.

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ChristmasEve Eve Eve

December 22, 2023Leave a Comment

‘Twas Christmas Eve Eve Eve
When all through Steele Creek,
People were hustling and bustling,
Shopping at a frenzy peak!

All our shopping was done,
but we went out anyway.
It always nice to spread smiles
and say ,”have a nice day”

Spreading cheer is s gift
that people surely need,
Saying “Merry Christmas”
Is quite like planting a seed.

A seed did she say?
Why yes she sure did.
Planting tiny seeds of joy,
Bring out smiles that were hid.

I often do wonder,
Do they know what it means?
It’s not the gifts, nor Santa
It’s not the decorating scenes.

It’s about Baby Jesus,
Gods only son born long ago.
God’s plan to redeem us
Because He loves us all so.

It’s truly about
Jesus birthday.
What gift will you bring Him
The sweet babe in the hay.

All my broken pieces
Aren’t much to give
But with His love and His touch
He can make anything live!

So I will give Him my heart,
all of me everyday.
Happy Birthday sweet Jesus
Please keep showing us Your way.

Merry Christmas everybody!

Love a Challenge

November 27, 2023November 27, 2023Leave a Comment

Truth be told, I do love to challenge myself. Today was no different. I sent a text to my 80 year old mom to let her know I would be available to help her with her Christmas decorating. My husband Ron was stuck at our house since our garage door was being replaced. He said he would join us later in the afternoon.

Mom picked me up and we headed over to her house. She had five containers of Fall things in the garage to put upstairs before starting on Christmas. I really didn’t want to wait all afternoon until Ron came. I told her I could get the containers up and down the stairs, just one step at a time. I’d lift the container a few steps then move up, then do it over and over. Once reaching the top, I’d just slide it in place then went down to do it again. On the first trip up to the attic I was searching for the light and smacked my head on a low ceiling board. Thank God I didn’t break the skin and it was behind the hairline. Whew! That was close. I didn’t want a “shiner” for the Christmas season. That knock “upside my noggin” was just the beginning. We girls could do this. I got all the Fall boxes up, then it was time to bring Christmas down.

Mom came up and picked out all she wanted me to bring down. We were just going to put up the window wreaths but once we got started we kept going. No surprise there. The same process for taking boxes up the stairs, worked just fine to bring them down. I would take a few steps backward down the stairs and slide the boxes along the edge of the stairs. It worked like a charm. Even the two Christmas tree boxes worked that way, turning them long ways, I slide them right down.

Our next task was for her to decide where she wanted her big tree and the pencil tree. We rearranged a few pieces of furniture until she decided where she wanted things. I put the pencil tree together and she decided she wanted that in the foyer so I moved it there. It was a perfect place for that skinny tree. I originally had no intention of putting the big tree together. We wanted to see if it would fit in a corner with the furniture where it was. I told her I’d get the bottom part out and see the tree limb spread so we could get an idea. Putting the tree stand on the floor in that corner, I inserted the bottom portion of the tree, expanding the limbs, it was a perfect fit. The oddest thing though was I couldn’t find a power cord. I laid on the floor under the tree, fluffing limbs and searching for the power cord. I did notice two light connections with a bit of red tape on the ends. I have low vision but I can see red. This was beginning to be like a big puzzle and I was determined to figure it out. I went to the garage and for the next section of tree and the power cord was on that part. I also noticed another cord that had five light connections on the end. Ummm…. Okay there were five connectors and power cord on this piece and two connectors on the bottom piece. I decided to plug the power cord in and connect all the light connectors I could find. The lights started to light up. There was still one more light connection I could not find. I went and got the final top piece and attached it. I found one more light connector there and attached it to the remaining one and BINGO!! It all lit up. I lifted my hands and said “YES”! I was so tickled and pleased that I was able to do it myself. Ron was pretty astonished. Truth be told, there was a whole lot of prayer going on. “Lord helps me do this”. “Lord where are those light connectors”? On and on it went and piece by piece God allowed me the ability to connect the pieces. Christmas lights are my favorite part of decorations. Just having the lights turned on the trees is so soothing.

When “push comes to shove, it’s ok if you’re pushing yourself. Persistence pays off. I started today like I start every day, in prayer. I asked God to help me be a blessing to my husband and also to my mom as I helped her decorate. We had not put the big tree up since my dad passed away in 2021. Dad loved Christmas decorations. I told mom today our “tree fluffier” was in Heaven. He always fluffed the tree limbs. He would be pleased. Now to help her put the decorations on. That’s another task for another day.

Tonight Ron was telling me how I’m always consistent. I think persistent is a better word. I dont give up or give in easily. I keep trying until I get it right. That’s something he admires about me. I see it more as a way of life. Being hearing impaired and having low vision makes every day life a challenge to some degree. God has given me a positive perspective to look at tasks kind of like a game. The game of life. The goal is to get through every day with a sense of humor and giving God glory through whatever is thrown my way. Perspective is key. Ask God everyday to help you see it from His point of view. I promise that makes all the difference in the world.

I was going to put a selfie as my blog picture BUT I was a sweaty mess today. It was a no makeup, no frills kind of day.I will spare you all the chuckle. Be blessed.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

A blooming legacy

November 16, 2023Leave a Comment

On this day 110 years ago my Nanny Kenley was born. We were blessed to have her 100th birthday party in the church she went to for the longest time. She passed away at the beginning of 2015 at the age of 101.

Nanny was such a remarkable woman. She loved her family and her family loved her. We have a family text group with 26 people. Today the cousins were talking about her special day: sharing pictures, memories and a video that warmed our hearts. Some of my fondest memories as a child were with her, at her house with all the cousins.

I’ve been doing some searching on Ancestry, trying to put our family tree together. From what I have gathered it looks like she married my grandfather on March 31, 1935. They had three boys in 11 years. My grandfather died at the age of 43. She never remarried because she said she wouldn’t be able to find someone like my grandfather. It takes a strong woman to raise three boys. Her legacy continues to live on in her remaining son, grand children, great grand children and great great grandchildren. It’s such a beautiful thing when we all remember her so fondly.

Nanny was a strong, independent, fun loving lady, and an excellent cook. No body made biscuits like our Nanny. Family meals, Christmas Eve and Easter at Nanny’s were the best. Good food, fellowship and lots of laughter come to mind when I think of her. She was so active. She loved card games and had a sharp mind. In her later years, we would sit around my parents kitchen table, four generations playing Skipbo. She would never let you win. She played well and it was so much fun.

The last few years of her life she lived at a rehab/long term care facility. We would race her down the hallway in her wheelchair. She would get her hair done and put her powder and lipstick on for meals. She loved to dress nice and play games with the other residents. There was a nice window near her bed and she would keep her plants there. There was also a bird feeder outsider her window where she enjoyed watching the birds. I have her cactus which is blooming right now for her birthday. This year it is full of buds that are beginning to open. It always makes me smile when it blooms. Just like her rich beautiful legacy of a life well lived and full of loving memories, that cactus grows bigger each year with more blooms. Tomorrow I will be going up to our attic to bring down Christmas things. I will hang the stocking she made for me when I was a little girl. She started with my name and apparently ended with someone else’s. It says “Sharrot” on my stocking. I have never had it fixed because it is what she made and it is extra special.

So today we celebrate our Nanny. She’s been gone for almost 8 years, but her legacy lives on. She continues to bless us even though she is gone. That’s a life well lived when your legacy continues to BLOOM.