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Thankfully it got better

April 24, 20231 Comment

Today was an impromptu family day. We have a tiny family of three with me being the only girl. Our son Joshua called saying he was off and wanted to see if we wanted to go to a shooting range out in the country. I’ve only been to an indoor range but never one outside. Ron loaded up the gear and we took off for an adventure on this gorgeous Spring day.

We arrived at the outdoor range to find it was closed today. That was a bummer since it was so nice outside. The guys decided to go to an indoor shooting range. I’ve only gone once before and that was about five years ago. I remember the shock of how powerful the explosions sounded with gun powder and shells flying. Lord have mercy! I don’t mind doing things with the guys. We’ve gone fishing, four wheeling, rock climbing, jet skiing, zip lining and so much more.
Truth be told, shooting guns is not my “cup of tea”. I would bait a fishing hook any day over shooting guns. However I was a good sport since I love my guys and spending time together doesn’t happen as often as I’d like.

Once we got to the indoor range, we were the only three people shooting at first. Some were leaving as we arrived. I noticed a sign as we were entering that said “No rapid fire”. No problem from me. The guys got the targets set up and Ron loaded a gun for me. Just like last time, it scared the daylights out of me. My cochlear implant processor was off and I had double ear protection on and it was STILL LOUD! This time I expected the gun-smoke and flying shells but it still scared me. Joshua took a video of me shooting and thought it was funny. Another guy had come in and was shooting a few spaces down from us. In the video you can hear rapid gun fire and I pause looking over thinking; Can’t the guy read the sign? I finished my second round and told Ron I was finished and would watch the rest of the time. This will never be my sport. Put me on the lake doing whatever water sport any day but I don’t care for shooting guns. I did pretty well my second round and hit the red part of the target twice. Not too shabby.

Our next stop was a tractor supply store. I’ve only been to one once before and I remembered seeing baby chickens so I went in search to see if this location had any. Sure enough they had some bins of baby chickens under warm lights. Too bad our home owners association won’t let people have them in our neighborhood.

We ended our family day at Papa Docks for dinner on the deck overlooking Lake Wylie. It used to be T Bones at the lake and we have many memories from going there and riding our old sea-doo around that area. It was a nice ending to our impromptu family day. I’m happy we can still have fun family days with just the three of us. Our son is now 25 so the family days don’t happen as often but when they do, it’s a real treat. Cherish your family times and don’t be afraid to do guy things with the guys. I came across a Helen Keller quote recently that is fitting for this moment: Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold.

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. This was not my usual blog post but a fun glimpse at a day in my life. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. 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. Be blessed!

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An inspiring encounter

April 20, 2023Leave a Comment

Just sat down with a cup of hot tea, while trying to gather my thoughts. It’s a rare day when I crank out two blog posts. I thought about combining this with the blog I published earlier today but this deserves its own entry.

My husband Ron and I went to Culver’s for lunch to get a good hamburger. As we walked in there was a guy with a table set up selling a children’s book he had written. Of course Ron started a conversation with him. Ron talks to everyone. As we stepped up to place our order, Ron told me the guy is blind. He is totally blind in one eye and can see slightly with the other. I said, “Let’s buy one of his books to support him.”

We sat down at a table close to where the guy had his table set up. I told Ron it takes great courage to do what this guy was doing. Ron told me I could set up a table too. I said, “ Would you talk to the people? He can hear what people are saying while I catch parts of it. ”

An inspiring blind author of children’s books.

After we finished eating, we went over introducing ourselves and purchased his book. He told us a little bit of his story and I told him a bit of mine and about my book. I watched with admiration as he signed the book for me. I personally don’t like to sign books in front of people because it’s hard to see what I’m writing. He had no issues with holding the book closely so he could see a little out of his one eye. I asked if I could have a picture taken with him and write a blog about meeting him. He agreed. Excuse my appearance in the picture. I had no intention of going anywhere today. It was a natural no makeup or hair products kind of day. This awesome inspiring guys name is Jared Jackson. As I brought the book home and put it under my video magnifier so I could read it, I discovered it is quite a cute book. Not only did he write it but he also did the illustrations. Check out Where Does the Man in the Moon Go During the Day? by Jared Jackson. You can find it on Amazon.

This was the first time I’ve ever met another blind author. I wanted to write this post to promote his book after reading it. He is a courageous inspiring man and did a fine job on his book. Check it out.

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Truth be told

April 20, 2023Leave a Comment

I’ve been meaning to write this since last weekend but I’m glad I put it off until now. An unexpected inspiration has given me new insight. “God winks”, those unexpected things that give me a little boost.

A few days ago I wrote this blogs title “Truth be told” and underneath it I typed the word inadequacy. Last weekend I celebrated my 54 th birthday. That’s a long time of being hearing and visually limited. While I don’t typically dwell on the limitations, a few situations sharpened my sense of inadequacy and left me feeling out of sorts. It’s a rare day when I share these things, but if it enlightens people to be compassionate to others around them then maybe it’s worth sharing.

Truth be told, many limitations are not easily seen. Truth be told, what appears normal may actually not be. (If that makes any sense.) Here are the things that flustered me last weekend. Mom and I had brunch at a new place called Poppyseed Kitchen. Our waitress recognized me and said , “I’m Coleman’s sister.” Coleman is our sons friend and I had not seen either of his sisters in a few years. The combination of an unexpected encounter and my limited vision can be embarrassing to say the least.

On Sunday we had a spontaneous day. We decided to go to our early church service so we could go hear my nephew preach at his late service. We never go to our early service so there was no sign language interpreter since they weren’t expecting me. I never expect life to be catered to me. I just go and in some way it ends up being a blessing. The blessing of the early service was my husbands attempt to help me understand. It was really sweet. We did a dash to my nephews church, where he is the Youth Pastor. I saw my mom. brother and his mother in law. Mom signed for me which was a blessing. After the service we saw my nephews daughter and her other Grandma. However I did not recognize my nephews wife. I inched over to Ron to discretely ask, “Who is that?” It is terribly embarrassing. I recognize people by sizes, shape, haircolor, style, and any distinguishable features. I can’t usually see detail on faces, unless I am very close By the time I recognize people it is usually too late.

Truth be told, I love people and if I could hear and see well, what a social butterfly I would be. But alas my hearing and vision are limited which sets me way back. It’s frustrating. A few tears just escaped my eyes. My limitations are not visible yet they keep me away from people unless the people are keen and compassionate to what I’m missing.

This morning as I was reading the Bible I came across Psalms 8:3-4, “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, “What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him?” (NKJV). I know God sees me in my limitations. He knows my needs and will provide in one way or another. Today He provided me with some inspiration.

As I was waiting for my husband to come pick me up I went out on our front porch. I wanted to see if I could see the Momma bird sitting on her nest on our bakers rack. A month or so ago, I was cleaning the front porch and discovered a well made empty birds nest. I figured it was from last year so I threw it away and rearranged the porch furniture. A few days later I noticed a little mess. The bird had begun building another nest! Such resilience! A few days ago I took a picture and zoomed in to see if the bird was on her nest. I couldn’t tell but Ron could! He showed me where the birds head and wings were and where the nest was in the picture. Oh what luxury to have good sight! So as I walked out on the porch today the bird flew away. I went back inside to grab my iPad to take a picture. I was curious if any eggs were in the nest. I took a picture and zoomed in. My heart filled with wonder and joy to discover two bird eggs. While the momma bird was surely watching from nearby to make sure her eggs stayed safe, my Abba Father is just as surely watching over me. Life is full of challenges and uncertainties but God is always there ready to strengthen and encourage us. We must take our focus off the problems and put them on God. I love this reminder, “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬)

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I write when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. 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. Be blessed!

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Springing into Spring

April 14, 2023Leave a Comment

This has been such a BUSY week and I’ve sprung right into whatever came at me. Might have sprung a bit too much as I am now alternating ice and heat on my lower back. Lord remind me that I’m going to be 54 tomorrow and not 25. Mom saw a coffee cup a while back that said “My mind thinks I’m 25 but my body says I’m an idiot.“ Yep! I need that cup!

Spring brings change and sometimes change isn’t too fun. Ron took the plunge and bought us a new stove/ oven. Truth be told we needed it two years ago. He can alway fix whatever is broken but the old stove parts were no longer made. I had been sticking my pinky into this hole to turn the heat up to the right temperature. One time I nearly pulled the oven door off trying to get something out of the oven, so this new updated appliance was much needed. I let Ron pick it out. I just wanted it to have an air fryer feature and the controls to be on the near side so I can see them. The controls behind the burners are a “no go” for me. With low vision I can’t see them. We welcomed a shiny new stainless steel appliance last week. It is so shiny it reflects things and makes it hard to see even with the dials inches from my face. This thing is intimidating. I avoided using it for a few days besides brewing tea. I made things in the crockpot. Last Monday I decided it was time to figure this out. I took pictures of the controls with my iPad and zoomed in. I saw a little bit but it was so different than the old one. I wanted to have dinner ready for Ron Monday night and was stressed out trying to figure this device out. Nearly burned his dinner and I rarely have done that in 29 years of marriage. Ron was gracious and ate his well cooked, I mean over cooked dinner. Afterwards we had a little lesson to learn how to use the new device. I still can’t see it. I can feel a click on the dials and can watch the burners. I can feel a line on the dial for the off setting. Turning dials left is low temperature. Turning the dial right is high and the between is well in between. T he oven control panel I have to memorize but I told him I would make it work. That was on Monday.

Tuesdays are the days I go volunteer at the Food Pantry. Afterwards Mom and I split some lunch at Brix then went to a plant nursery in Rock Hill. We love Wilson’s plant nursery. Mom missed the exit off the interstate so I used my iPad to get us there the back way. Forgetting my iPad is directly synced to my cochlear implant device, I could hear the navigation but she couldn’t. Seeing my error, I disconnected and made sure she could hear it. We got there and were not disappointed. That place is full of life and beautiful plants. She found her plants and helped me find a few I wanted. I went in search of a trellis for a flowering vine. Found the trellis but couldn’t find her in the sea of colored flowers. She was wearing a deep red and white striped shirt so I looked and looked. She was camouflaged right in with the plants. Finally she found me and we left. (Side note… that happened again yesterday at Lowe’s. The “watering people” were out with their hoses. It was nearly an obstacle course, popping wheelies with her cart to get over hoses and she was wearing green! You don’t realize how much green is in Lowe’s until you are looking for a green shirt to find someone!)

I don’t mention all this for pity. My life is like a comic book. Yes there are many limitations but God has given me a drive to embrace life “head on”. You take what you have and you get it done.

Ron surprised me when I got home on Tuesday late afternoon. He had gotten a bunch of bags of mulch for our natural areas. Miracles happen y’all! It’s been 4-5 years since he got some. Happy birthday to me! I don’t know if this is my birthday present but I sure am one happy girl. With the color contrast, I can now see the weeds! He laid down most of it but Wednesday morning while he was at work, I decided to get the remaining bags laid down to help him out. Once I was finished I realized it would be a good idea to buy a back support brace. My friend Leasa came by to get me and we went to Home Depot and found the perfect back support brace. We both bought one.

My friend Leasa and me with our new back support braces 😂

Yesterday I promised Mom I would help her with her mulch. Mom is 80 and she loves her yard. She told me when she and Dad planted everything years ago they didn’t think about getting old. She ordered a pallet of mulch over a week ago but everyone’s schedule has been so different and we had not been able to get together to lay it out for her. I told my brother and Mom I’d go get started to help with the process. Below is a screenshot of me and my brother Forrest’s text. When the guys were able to come later, I had used the wagon to lay out the bags of mulch in the natural areas surrounding the house. I wore my new back brace and was willing. God provided the energy, determination, a beautiful day and wonderful breeze. Even Mom picked up bags of mulch, much to my dismay. I told her to let me do it and she stared me down. OKAY, do whatever you want. I’m thankful I come from a strong line of “Tough Cookies”. My brother and nephew spread it all out until we ran out of bags. We got it done! So thankful!

Bottom line, don’t be afraid to get dirty, maybe look a bit foolish but give it your best try. What you do with what you’ve got isn’t in vain. Team work and family are awesome!

Thank you Lord for an awesome, adventurous tiring week. It’s been productive and good. 50,648 steps on four days. Whew! Today is a pajama day but I will probably get up and get moving. Don’t sit on the sidelines of life. Have an awesome weekend. Get out and enjoy Spring!

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It is Finished

April 8, 2023Leave a Comment

It is Finished! These are the last words of Jesus when He was on the cross before He gave up His spirit. How can I even put this into words? Jesus Christ was fully God yet He was also fully human, since He was born of a virgin. All His life He was intent on doing everything His Heavenly Father desired! Jesus prayed in the garden in Luke 22:42, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” (NKJV). Let that sink deep within your heart. He knew what was coming, yet He loved us so much He was obedient even unto death on a cross. He who knew no sin, took all our sins upon Himself on the cross. He took our punishment. He suffered the most horrible torturous death for us, so that we would have victory in His blood and resurrection!

How in the world can people reject this free gift of salvation? Jesus has already paid the price for our sins. “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.”Isaiah‬ ‭53‬:‭5‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬). Thank you Jesus! I can never thank you enough!

Jesus did not remain in the grave but rose again on the third day. Tomorrow we celebrate Resurrection Day! “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” I Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭55‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬)

While yesterday we remembered Jesus crucifixion, let me remind you that a lot can change in three days. Tomorrow as we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord, rejoice with exceeding gladness! “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” I Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭57‬ ‭(NKJV‬)

While there is so much more to be said, I am not a Pastor. I am a child of God, declaring to you about what Jesus has accomplished for me and you. If you don’t know Him as your Lord and Savior, surrender your life to Him today! Romans 10:9 says, “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”(‭NKJV‬‬) Choosing Jesus is the best decision you will ever make. Celebrate this Resurrection Sunday by accepting Jesus free gift for you. Thank you Jesus for all that you’ve done for me!!

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What lens are you looking through?

April 2, 2023Leave a Comment

At my last Bible study we met at Brixx Pizza for lunch and our discussion on a virtuous woman. One friend forgot her reading glasses so the others offered to share theirs. Depending on the strength of the lens, things will look different even though you are examining the same thing.

Life perspective is so much like this. What lens are you looking through
on a day to day basis? For example, some people seem to find some thing positive in everything. It’s sort of like a silver liner. There are others that seem to always have a critical view. These two types of people can be examining the exact same thing, yet will have opposite things to say. It makes me wonder sometimes why people think and respond the way they do. Many factors can contribute to which “lens” they look through. Let’s brainstorm some of those possible contributing factors. Past experiences can certainly play a role. The way you were raised can play a big part. A few other things that come to mind are; your view of self, support system and things you allow to influence you.

I don’t always have a “sunny” disposition, although I try to keep things positive. I may have a little advantage because with low vision I can be very choosy regarding what I’m exposed to. For example, yesterday a friend took me to Cabellas to get a life jacket. ( Someone gave me a two seater kayak and I’m so excited. Thats another blog post. Coming soon) Back to Cabellas… when we were in the checkout line, I got the impression my friend wanted me to change lines but I didn’t know why until it was my turn to check out. I can’t see very far but once I was at the cash register I noticed the cashier had a very dark unfriendly look. Her face was barely showing with all the dark hair and dark mask. I paid for my life jacket, thanked the cashier and walked out. I then told my friend, we need to let others see Jesus in us. We can’t judge people by the way they look just like we can’t judge a book by its cover. In all fairness, a beautiful cover draws interest for a closer look.

None of us are perfect. Everyday brings new opportunities to make a difference in the lives of all you encounter. I came across a fascinating quote recently by D L Moody: “The only way to keep a broken vessel full is to keep the faucet running.” We are all broken and what “lens” we look through determines our responses. If we keep the faucet of Gods Word pouring into us, Jesus will pour over into those we encounter. When we allow the worlds views to constantly pour into us, we only become further broken. Saturate yourself in Gods Word and let it transform you. Live in the overflow of Jesus and watch the awesome things that happen around you.

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Don’t spill the beans!

March 17, 2023Leave a Comment

While I normally don’t “spill the beans”. Yesterday I did. Allowing others to see brokenness is never a fun thing. It’s uncomfortable and vulnerable. Because of my hurts and brokenness I have a passion for encouraging others and praying for them. If I can bring a smile and lift someone’s heart, directing them to Jesus, its worth it. Trouble arises when I look at my brokenness rather than Jesus.

Yesterday at my Bible study we covered two women of the Bible: Ruth and Hannah. The study on Hannah hit me hard. I’ve never thought of myself as barren. God has blessed us with a son. As we did the study this week on Hannah, I saw there are other kinds of barrenness. As I sat at my video magnifier two days ago finishing up the lesson, tears were rolling down my cheeks. I thought, “Lord why do I have to sit at this machine to do this study? I’d like to be able to see the book and write the answers without something largely magnifying it. So like Hannah, I was focused on what I couldn’t do: complete the lesson without aids. I want to see well, comprehend well, not constantly be trying to fill in the blanks of what I’m not seeing or hearing/ comprehending. I thought I’d dealt with these things but it appears to be deep rooted. This study on Hannah “picked the scab off of my wound”.

It was hard showing my Bible study sisters the items I had checked off for my areas of barrenness. Four of the items I checked were employment, ministry, health (visual and hearing) and pleasure. I think my sisters were surprised I checked off ministry since I blog. The thing about writing, I do it home alone. It doesn’t really seem like ministry because I don’t see the fruits from it, however God does. I told them I can’t do this alone. God gives me the patience for the process that is so frustrating, it is downright amusing. Maybe one day I should get someone to video the process of me blogging on a touch screen iPad. Type, then zoom to see what I’ve typed, see typos galore, zoom, unzoom, over and over until God has enabled me to pour it out in writing. It’s not a fun process and it is time consuming, but if it encourages someone to keep putting one foot in front of the other, you know, keep moving forward… its worth it. It still hurts.

They were also surprised I checked off pleasure. I have learned to be content in my situation. Well in all honesty I guess its more like I try to be content. I can’t see like normal people. It’s so hard to explain. I see some but I don’t see it all. I miss a whole lot! I am blessed with sweet friends. My friend Leasa is especially sensitive to what I might not be seeing. S he texts me to go to the store or lunch. I ask her the different things opening in the shopping centers. I can see the signs but I usually can’t read them. I guess I don’t know half of what I’m really missing.

I could go on and on here but that’s not the point. The point is that I realized, just like Hannah I was looking at the ”barren” issues instead of Jesus. I don’t consider myself a bitter person but deep down there are things I strongly desire: Good vision, connection with people, being able to hear and comprehend.

This morning as I prayed I said, “Lord can you trust me with healing?” In my spirit I heard, “Can you trust me without it? Lord get me to the place of surrender where I can honestly say YES! I always say Jesus is more than enough. After this study He has much more work to do in my heart so I can fully surrender. One day, God willing, I can totally put it all on the altar and leave it there. Just looking to Jesus and all He is and not on what I perceive I’m missing.

What about you, do you have areas of barrenness in your life? It could be in relationships, finances, love, respect just to name a few. As I type this a song has come to mind that I have not heard in years. It’s amazing how the Lord brings music to my heart from years ago when I could hear much better. If I can find the song and video I will add it to the end of this blog. Let’s pour out our hearts, our hurts, our brokenness to Jesus and allow Him to do what only He can do… bring peace and joy once again.

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. Be blessed.

Now let me go find that song. Went online and even texted a friend, trying to find the song. It was a little “ goose chase” but I found it. Friend Indeed by Billy and Sarah Gaines. Take a listen. Whew.. it’s a old one and might show my age but the lyrics are spot on. Here’s the link. Enjoy!

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The heart of the matter

March 14, 2023Leave a Comment

What’s the state of your heart? It’s a pretty heavy question but begs an answer. All you have to do is turn your tv on, surf the web, see whats getting all the attention in society and the big arguments being heard everywhere and it spells depravity of hear! I’ve always been fascinated by why people act the way they do. More and more things are being twisted out of proportion. It makes me wonder where is logic? Do people even bother to think these days? It’s a relevant question worthy of consideration.

Right now I’m doing a couple of different Bible studies and reading through the Bible as well. It is astounding how stubborn the Israelites were in the Old Testament. One of the studies I’ve done recently talked about sheep and how incredibly stubborn they are. We can be referred to as sheep needing a shepherd. That particular lesson was on the Lord my Shepherd. It gave insight into how sheep behave and how Jesus provides for us, cares and protects us.

The lesson we discussed yesterday spoke on the Lord our righteousness. My Bible study sister asked me what difference knowing Jesus this way has made in my life. I told her it has made all the difference in the world. Because of Jesus sacrifice on the cross for my sins, because of his resurrection, because He forgives me when I confess my sins, He is my righteousness. When God looks at me, He sees His Son Jesus Christ. I’m forever thankful!

This evening I decided to cross reference a few of the scriptures to see how difference translations compare. I don’t typically read the Message but these next few verses I will share from the Message are quite interesting in that translation. “The heart is hopelessly dark and deceitful, a puzzle that no one can figure out. But I, God, search the heart and examine the mind. I get to the heart of the human. I get to the root of things. I treat them as they really are, not as they pretend to be.”” Jeremiah‬ ‭17‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭(MSG‬ ) OUCH!! I’ve done some pretending before, how about you?

‬ Here’s another one. “Everyone’s after the dishonest dollar, little people and big people alike. Prophets and priests and everyone in between twist words and doctor truth. My people are broken—shattered!— and they put on Band-Aids, Saying, ‘It’s not so bad. You’ll be just fine.’ But things are not ‘just fine’! Do you suppose they are embarrassed over this outrage? No, they have no shame. They don’t even know how to blush. There’s no hope for them. They’ve hit bottom and there’s no getting up. As far as I’m concerned, they’re finished.” God has spoken.” Jeremiah‬ ‭6‬:‭13‬-‭15‬ ‭(MSG‬‬)

Whoa! Now that’s our present society right there! There are so so many half truths, flat our lies and darkness that people try to “ superficially heal”.

What the world needs is the Light of Jesus shining bright and exposing sins. God knows the helpless state of humanity, that’s why He gave us the new covenant. He wants to take away the hearts of stone and put His laws in our hearts. Ezekiel 36: 26-27 says, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.” (NKJV)

I find it so amazing how the Bible is so relevant today. It’s God’s love letter to us. It’s our instruction book to get through this life. I don’t know about you but falling in love with Jesus and accepting His free gift of salvation is the best thing I’ve ever done. The prayer of my heart is like King David’s in Psalms 51:10, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (NKJV)

God understands our desperate need for Him. Sometimes in the chaos of dealing with life, He seems so far away He is right there with you every step of the way. He can give you a new heart. He desires to be the “lover of your soul”.

The Bible study I refer to in this blog is written by Kay Arthur. It is called Lord I want to know you. I purchased the digital version but have also seen her Bible studies on Amazon. I have done many of her studies. They take you deeper into The Word of God.

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A Sign

March 6, 2023Leave a Comment

Tonight as I was getting ready for bed I noticed something different on my Christmas cactus. Upon closer inspection it looked like a bloom! It is definitely not the plants blooming season and since I have low vision I asked my husband Ron to come take a look. Sure enough there is a single bloom on this Christmas cactus. How odd! This beautiful plant belonged to my Nanny, Dads mom. It usually blooms mid to late November, around Nanny’s birthday. She’s been gone for several years but lived to be 101.

As I noticed this single bloom tonight my heart was full of wonder. I’ve never been one to notice “signs”, most likely because I can’t see well. BUT I saw this single bloom! It has me wondering if there is some significance.

This coming Sunday my husband Ron will reach a milestone birthday. I won’t reveal the number but he definitely does not look his age. This Sunday will also be my Dad’s second heavenly birthday. I sure do miss him but know he’s with Jesus. The tulip tree we planted in his honor is in full bloom. Now I see this single unusual bloom on Nanny’s cactus. Maybe I’m over thinking but for whatever reason, it makes my heart feel light. I hope to see this little beauty open into full flower. I will wait and see what happens.

I better get to bed. I had intended to go to bed early but just had to blog about this beautiful surprise. Good night everyone.

Thank you Lord for this bright moment to end my day. You are full of wonder and I never cease to be in awe of you.

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A Truth Bomb

February 25, 2023Leave a Comment

Often times inspiration for a blog comes in the morning. However, I don’t always have time to sit down and get it typed up. Today was one of those days.

Last night and this morning were kind of odd because some old old songs popped in my head and kept playing. The one that came last night, I wasn’t even sure about the lyrics so I typed in what I remembered and Dionne Warwick’s song I’ll never love this way again popped up. It’s ok to laugh. It was quite odd. I didn’t even remember all the words but “ I’ll keep holding on, I’ll keep holding on…” played over and over in my mind. What in the world set that off? Again this morning another old song played in my mind and it’s been playing all day. At the risk of exposing my age, it was the Carpenters song You. I looked this one up on YouTube when I finally got home today and the music is so different than how I remember but the words are so beautiful.

Have you ever had a secular song stick to you but it’s like a song of worship to the Lord? “You” does that to me. I was getting ready for book club meeting and I nearly cried ! Ponder these beautiful words – I woke up to this song. You are the one that makes me happy when everything else turns to gray. Yours is the voice that wakes me morning and sends me out into the day. You are the crowd that sits quiet listening to me and all the mad sense that I make. You are one of the few things worth remembering. And sense it’s all true how could anyone mean more to me, than you. Sorry if sometimes I looks past you, there’s nothing beyond your eyes. Inside my head wheels are turning and sometimes I’m not so wise. You are my heart and my soul my inspiration just like the old love song goes. You are one of the few things worth remembering. And since it’s all true how could anyone mean more to me, than you. You lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

As I sit here typing this, tears are streaming down my face. Isn’t it just like God to be our very heart and our very soul, our very inspiration? I’m still trying to figure out why all this came on all the sudden. Last night I was reading some social media posts. God has given me discernment when I read posts. I can pick up on desperation, hopelessness and depression. It makes me just want to reach through the screen and give them a big hug and say it’s going to be okay. Keep holding on, keep holding on. This old friend from college came across as utterly down last night. I told him to saturate his mind with the Word of God and surround yourself with praying family and friends. We need friends who will stand in the gap when we are weary. This person lives in Florida and I have no clue the details of the situation. However, God knows and God is right there with this guy.

The enemy whispers lies to us all day everyday. You know the drill: You’re not good enough, God can’t use you, You will never measure up! Etc… baloney! I love love love the example Jesus set for us when he was tempted in the wilderness. Everythime the devil came up with his twisted lies, Jesus responded with what Gods Word says. It is vital and I do mean VITAL in all caps. Know the Word of God and use it! Especially in this time where lie, deception and half truths abound everywhere. If you know what the Bible says, you have a come back every single time. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬)

Dig into Gods Word everyday and pray without ceasing. John‬ ‭8‬:‭32‬ says, ‭ “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (NLT‬‬) Another verse is Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬,‭ “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (NLT‬‬) The Bible is FULL of scriptures from cover to cover that will equip you for any situation., “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬ (NKJV). That’s POWERFUL right there and we need it daily!

As I read my old friends post, I understood. Life is a battle field. I don’t understand why it’s more difficult for sone but ultimately God has a perfect plan. When we surrender to Jesus Lordship over our lives we can walk in the victory He gives. We don’t need to understand but we do need to trust Him and keep holding on. Never give up! Never throw in the towel! Keep on keeping on. When you experience the comfort of walking with Jesus, be willing to pour that comfort into others. Be an encouragement. The world needs Jesus!

If you liked this blog post please subscribe. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. Be blessed.

Www.shannonkhinson.com
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