#waymaker – rootedbythewater.blog

Created with Purpose

October 20, 2026Leave a Comment

I want you to think about something. What is your purpose? Don’t think for a second you are an accident. I occasionally hear people say, “We weren’t “trying” but are having a baby.” God doesn’t make mistakes. Everything He does is done with a purpose in mind. Recently I came across the following verse found in Jeremiah 1:5. It says, ““I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) While I’d never say I’m a prophet, I will say God has called me to live a life for His glory. Whether you reach the nations, your family, your coworkers or community, you are “called”. I firmly believe that He knew every day of my life before a single one came to be. Check this out: “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭16‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) How awesome is our God!!

So it is established! You are not an accident. God created you very carefully. Yes, even those of us with disabilities. He doesn’t make mistakes. A few other verses in Psalms 139 are so dear to my heart. “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.” Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭13‬-‭15‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

We get in “trouble” when we start looking around at others. God has called us to live the life He created for us. Our journey won’t look like someone else’s journey. When we compare our life with someone else, we become discontent. We can begin to look down on ourselves. Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭4‬ says, “Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.” (NLT‬‬) (emphasis mine) Honestly, that is so contrary to the world we live in. The world seems to put us on a scale to see where we are lacking. Look at any social media platform and you will see people announce their accomplishments, the vacations (play by play), what they have, the success of their marriage, children, grandchildren etc. It’s a never ending ”look at me”. That is the world we live in, BUT God has called us to be “set apart”. All these worldly things are not important in the grand scheme of life. God looks at the heart. Check out this verse: “But the LORD said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”” 1 Samuel‬ ‭16‬:‭7‬ ‭(NLT‬) I know we have to live in this world, but we don’t have to be consumed by the way the world thinks.

You might say, “But Shannon, you don’t have any idea what I’ve been through.” You’re right! I don’t. I could say the same thing but God knows. He knows everything we go through. He knows every tear you shed. He knows when you’re struggling. He is there! I love Isaiah 43:1-2, “But now, O Jacob, listen to the LORD who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” ‭(NLT‬‬) (emphasis mine). Read over the verses in this blog again and again. Let them sink deep within your soul. God lovingly created you with purpose. He knows where you are in life. He sees your struggles, hurts and frustrations. No trial we endure is wasted. Trials refine us. Trials show what we are really made of. At the end of the day, what matters is if you’ve reflected Jesus today. Even in our worst moments we are to glorify God. Jesus himself endured suffering beyond anything we could ever imagine. He did that to reconcile us with God. So when you face hard things remember, Jesus faced way more. He is with us. Call on Him in prayer and He will be with you. You are never alone.

I think I will stop here for now. I hope you will take time to meditate on the scriptures and let God work deep within your hearts. You are loved and created with purpose. Have a wonderful week.

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Handling the Heat🔥

September 29, 2026Leave a Comment

I’ll tell you a secret, I don’t like fire. We used to heat our home with a wood burning buck stove. While the warm heat on a winter day was wonderful, I hated adding wood and using a poker. I’m not too keen on “fiery/heated situations” either. Temper flares, scams, hiring people that don’t fulfill their service etc. I’m not a fan. It’s a rare day when I get upset and even rarer when I’m angry. Life happens though so occasionally we all have our moments. If you check out you current top 12 emojis, it might give you a little picture of your life at present. Here are mine: 🔥❣️😊🍁🙌😂🤪💓😁😴🥰🤟🏼. Last week there was a mad face in there which is so unlike me.

Here’s my question, how do you handle fiery heated situations or things that make you angry? Well, we are all human and it’s a natural emotion. So we are bound to have moments of anger from time to time. Yet, how we face those moments is key! Ephesians 4:26 says, ““Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,” (NKJV‬‬) It doesn’t tell us to not be angry. It tells us not to “sin” when we get angry. Ways we respond “in the flesh” are usually sin. Last week I responded in the flesh by cursing. (I did a lot of repenting too) I was SOOO upset. In a “nutshell” we hired a man that was recommended by a friend, to do some drainage repair work. We thought we were hiring him, but he wasn’t here much and sent two young people out to do the work. It was pricey and they did a poor job, not fixing our problem AND the girl signed her name in a concrete slab! I kid you not! There was supposed to be a one year warranty on the work but we had much trouble getting the man to come back out. There was much miscommunication due to him speaking Spanish. My husband and I had a really hard time with all of this. We had gotten ‘poor work” one too many times and I was not going to let it slide. So we were all angry. Whew! Last week was not good, not at all! Here’s the thing, responding in negative ways when angry drains you physically and emotionally. A friend from high school reminded me that we should praise God in our hard times. She was exactly right.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 it says “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (‭NKJV‬‬) (emphasis mine) Ouch! The Holy Spirit will really correct us! It didn’t matter if we had been “shorted” I needed to rejoice, pray, give thanks and “Let God be God”! Saturday evening, I told my husband I was going to take a hot detox bath (epson salt, baking soda and organic lavender essential oil). While soaking, I decided to wear my cochlear implant processor so I could listen to worship music via Bluetooth technology. I put my hair in pigtails so it wouldn’t get wet, laid back in the hot water to de-stress. I listened to Central Collective music. You can check them out on YouTube and Spotify. As I listened I began to sing and then sign the songs. My guardian angel got a good chuckle! I began to release all that was troubling me. It had really drained me. As I soaked, prayed and worshiped, I felt a shift in my spirit. I aimed to give this “drainage project” to the Lord.

Monday morning the guy came out with his worker to fix some of the issues. He was not happy about it. My husband watched as they worked to make sure it was done right. My husband came in and said, “They don’t like me. They said they would work this one day and that was it.” (Remember we paid several thousand dollars for this work plus there was a one year warranty on the work.). I felt in my spirit, we were to show grace. I said, “Why don’t we provide lunch for them and let them know we appreciate them returning to work on the issues.” I will tell you, grace goes a long way in softening people. They worked hard all day and the job was much improved, and the girls “writing” on the concrete was removed. Now God willing, the system will work well when it rains to move water away from the foundation.

A friend sent me the sweetest text earlier today telling me how she saw humility in me. I told her it was something God was refining in me through the fires of struggle. I kid you not. Living with hearing and visual limits is no joke. It’s hard and requires me to surrender daily to God’s power and help. (And help, HE sure does!) I reminded her of my “bad” week last week. She knew because she had been praying for the situation. I told her we are all being refined by daily life. Lord help us choose well. Yesterday those men saw God in us and they saw grace. God gives us grace and we ought to pour it out on others. I pray God will bless them for doing the right thing. I’m grateful for the lesson!

Have an amazing week!

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Don’t “Bury” your talents

September 24, 2026Leave a Comment

Recently I came across a devotion on the parable of the talents.(Matthew 25:14-30) It was a different perspective and stuck with me. Sometimes we are rushed to get to the moral of a story and miss some important details. The Master gave all three of his servants “talents” according to their abilities. He gave according to each servants capacity. Not randomly or by what they deserved. Three different amounts; one given two talents, one given one and one given five. Three different amounts, three different abilities. Two of the servants doubled what they had received. One servant buried the talent in fear.

God does not compare our fruitfulness to each other. He wants us to be fruitful in what He has given us. Each of us has different abilities, circumstances and seasons in life. It’s tempting to compare ourselves with others but that’s not wise. Comparison can immobilize us in our walk with the Lord. Scrolling through social media can be tempting and depressing. Let’s be clear though, all those who just post all the “glories” of life, also experience struggles, they just don’t want you to see that side.

I want to encourage you to not “bury” your talent, whatever it may be. God equips us to fulfill His desires. See Ephesians 2;10, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (NLT‬‬) So take courage, rise up and do what God calls you to do. Don’t be afraid. Fear immobilizes us so we aren’t affective. Push all fear aside. Also see 2 Timothy 1: 7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) So get out there today and everyday, using the abilities God has already equipped you with. The time is short. We must be fruitful and help expand the Kingdom of God. Also be sure to do your work as unto the Lord. It is God we are serving, not men. “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭23‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

Let’s get out there and be fruitful today. God is with us. When we surrender our day to Him, He will bless our efforts. Have an amazing Thursday.

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

September is Deaf Awareness Month

September 20, 2026Leave a Comment

Recently as I was scrolling through the Instagram platform, I saw that September is Deaf Awareness Month. I’ve been meaning to write on this topic. Why? Because awareness develops understanding and fostering understanding can break barriers.

Speaking from experience, I knew nothing about deaf culture or hard of hearing until I myself began to lose my hearing. It was around the age of 11-12 when my hearing started to decline, for some unknown reason. It was a gradual process and for that, I am thankful. There were no hearing impaired students in my school and I’d never seen sign language before I went to college. During high school I learned to lip read and had note takers in my classes. It was during freshman orientation at East Carolina University that I met my first deaf friends and learned the manual alphabet. Little did I know, that was the beginning of learning a second language: sign language. It was a breath of fresh air to finally be able to connect with others with hearing loss and learn sign language.

I did a little search on Google about deaf statistics. You can look this up as well but I’ll share a little of what I found. Did you know, 3.6% of the U.S. population consider themselves deaf or have significant difficulty hearing. (National Deaf Center) Around 1 in 7 Americans have some degree of hearing loss. (National Deaf Center) World wide there are over 300 sign language types with American Sign Language (ASL) being dominant in North America. (avantpage.com) ASL does not follow English word order, it is more conceptual. There is also Pidgin Sign English (PSE) and Signed Exact English (SEE). I personally learned PSE which is a blend of American Sign Language vocabulary with English sentence structure. This is my favorite because being born hearing, my first language was spoken English. I have deaf friends who love ASL which has much more concept. It’s like making a series of pictures with signs but doesn’t follow English word order.

That’s enough statistics for one post. I will say, a good reminder when you see deaf people and interact with them, deafness does not define who they are. Deaf and hard of hearing people are just like you, they just lack the ability to hear and comprehend speech. We are not “less than” anyone else. Nor do we need pity.

Empathy really goes a long way! What do I mean? Try putting yourself in another person’s shoes. Stick some ear plugs in your ears and see how far you can get in the day. You’re likely going to have trouble on the phone and may find FaceTime and texting easier. You will likely have great difficulty understanding the television. (I personally never watch it. With the combination of my hearing loss and low vision, it makes for a very frustrating activity to attempt reading closed captions on a tv screen.) Closed caption is great for those with hearing loss who can read. You might have difficulty communicating in public with the everyday people you encounter in stores, restaurants, schools, churches etc. Speaking of churches, in all the surrounding area of where I live outside of Charlotte NC, I only know of one church with sign language interpreters. ONE!!! That is a big problem that really needs to be addressed. Less than 2% of the world deaf population are followers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That makes the deaf one of the largest unreached and unengaged groups worldwide. https://gacx.io/articles/deaf-unreached-people Now think of all the mission groups that are sent every year world wide, which is wonderful, but hear me out, deaf people need to be engaged with learning the Gosspel as well. Me and my husband visited two churches in the area during the past year. Both are great churches where the Bible is clearly taught. Neither of them offer any services for the hearing impaired. It was a very frustrating time for me when trying to grasp some meaning. (Having low vision doesn’t help either. It makes seeing power points impossible.) I would leave those services discouraged not uplifted and equipted. I was raised in church and am very familiar with the Bible. My daily relationship with Jesus is of most importance to me. A couple of years ago I led a Bible study with my deaf friends. It was not easy because deaf people can have lower reading skills. That means they can have difficult with the Bible study book and reading the Bible itself. With the combination of my hearing limitation and low vision, I ended up memorizing the lessons so I could clearly help them understand. They were so hungry for the Word of God! There are a few key points to learn here. First off, if you have deaf children, it is vital that they learn to read so they can more easily interact in the world. Second, advocacy for resources for the hearing impaired is vital. Those who can hear can easily listen to sermons and worship songs that equip you for life. The deaf don’t have these luxuries. I’ve had people ask me why I don’t go to Sunday School at church. Well, that would require a translator so I could participate. It is also taxing on my eyes to watch signing at length, so one service is sufficient for me along with my personal study of the Bible . (When my deaf girlfriends have hours long talks and lunch, when I’m finally home, my eyes and mind are exhausted from watching signing for long lengths of time.) Just a little perspective.

Like I said easily, empathy goes A LONG WAY. Put yourself in someone else’s shoes and really think about what it would be like with their limitations. You’d be surprised that not many people take the time for such reflection. It’s mind blowing. Perspective!! I’ve discovered there are many reels on Instagram with deaf people teaching short signing lessons. Very short. It is a fun way to learn. The manual Alphabet is also an easy tool you can use to interact with hearing impaired people. You can finger spell words. You can also use your phone to type a short message and show them. (That personally doesn’t work for me because I can’t see the font on an iPhone but for most people, that works.). As you begin to understand the needs around you, you can make little attempts to show compassion. Today after church a sweet lady came up and introduced herself. She was learning some basic signs and made the effort to connect. That meant a lot. Compassion goes a long way.

I think I will wrap it up for now. It’s been well over a week since I’ve blogged. It may be the first week in over five years that I didn’t post a blog. The past week was busy. Hopefully I will stay consistent with sharing. I know this particular blog has been a bit different. Awareness brings understanding though. If it helps break a few barriers for the hearing impaired community, it’s well worth sharing. Have an amazing week.

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

The manual alphabet.
Image found on Pinterest.

Breaking forth new ROOTS

August 17, 2026Leave a Comment

For some reason I feel a need to share this. A few weeks ago I snipped off some long overgrowth on a plant on our porch. I typically just throw the clippings away but figured by “rooting” them in water, I could add to an existing small plant in our dining room. As you know, any clippings not placed in water, will eventually wither and die. This is so true regarding our spiritual lives as well.

Let’s think about this. How many of you have gone through very dry seasons in life? You get distracted with raising a family, the pleasures of enjoying life, or perhaps your career…. Slowly you begin to read your Bible less and less. Your church attendance can become sporadic. Before you know it temptations come in “undetected” because you have “stopped walking with the Lord”. You become a “dry shoot” in desperate need of “living water’. Jesus is referred to as ‘Living water” many times in the Bible. (See John 4:10, 13-14 ) John 7:37-38 says, “On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’”” (NLT‬‬) Jesus is our “living water”. He brings renewal, spiritual refreshing, salvation and eternal life when we surrender to Him. Jesus wants to refresh you! You might say, “I’ve made some bad choices, done the unforgivable, sinned one too many times” or whatever the excuse is you might have. Jesus is merciful and full of grace. Check out Romans 5:8, “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” (NLT‬‬) (emphasis mine) When we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive us. Sometimes you have to “get over yourself”! You have to admit, “I was wrong Lord.” Jesus wants to restore YOU! The Bible says He leaves the 99, to run after the 1 sheep who wandered away! What an amazing loving Savior! (See the parable of the lost sheep Luke 15;3-7) There is also the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32.

Scripture after scripture we see a loving Savior with open arms saying “Come to me!” The Bible is full of these merciful invitations, with Jesus’ nailed scarred hands reaching out to you, He says “Come!” You don’t have to live feeling dried out and incapable of getting out of your “pit” He is the “Living water” that will bring such a refreshment to your soul.

Just like those clippings I placed in water in the picture above, when we feel “cut off” and we re-immerse ourself back into seeking the Lord whole-heartedly, you will find yourself once again breaking forth roots into all God has for you. Don’t delay another day. We must live with eternity in mind. Have a blessed week!

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Daily “Manna”

July 22, 2026Leave a Comment

Back in the Old Testament in the book of Exodus, God sent the hungry Israelites manna from Heaven, every morning as they traveled through the wilderness for 40 years. They were only to gather enough for one day. If they hoarded it, it would rot. In this way God tested their obedience to trust Him to fortify them for each day.

I see some connections with modern day life. While we don’t have physical manna falling from Heaven each morning, we do have God’s Word that we can partake of each and every day to fortify and strengthen us for whatever we face. When I have my quiet times with the Lord in the morning: time in prayer and in scripture, God truly does refresh me This is a discipline I’ve learned that really helps me each day. I often think what an incredible difference it would make in peoples lives if they learned the habit of going to God each morning to be fully equipped for the day. We don’t know what’s coming at us but He sees the full picture.

The last two weeks I’ve been very stressed and drained by life situations. I’ve been struggling with my comprehension again for some reason. I guess I’ll need to go back and start doing auditory exercises again. My low vision has also given me issues lately, thats not to mention people. The thing about people, we are all flawed in some way. No one is perfect, but with my hearing and visual limits it takes a special kind of patience to deal with it. Last Saturday night I broke down and just cried. I explained to my husband, “I am always thinking about everyone else. Making sure everyone else is happy and taken care of, but what about me?” I struggled Saturday trying to understand what everyone was saying around me. There was that, and no notes for several weeks from the church we’ve been visiting, dealing with emails coming through regarding marketing my memoir….. combine it all and it’s just stressful. I finally did talk to my Mom about it. She told me it’s not God’s will for me to be stressed. She’s praying along with me and this week has been much better.

I can relate to the Israelites wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. My life with my visual and hearing limitations poses some obstacles that can seem impossible at times. I must remember that God IS in control. I came across a verse in Joshua 1 this morning: “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”” Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ ‭(NLT‬‬) I was also reminded of another scripture found in Exodus 14: “The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”” Exodus‬ ‭14‬:‭14‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

Do you need these reminders as well? We can trust God. He is faithful. He answers prayers. I’ll be the first to tell you, His timing is not like ours, however it is perfect. He sees the BIG picture and has our best in mind, as a Father watches over his children, so God watches over us.

Learning to trust God’s perfect Will is sometimes hard. About a month ago a scout came across my memoir Rooted by the Water and it was entered into some sort of selection process for “page to screen” with a production company for the inspirational true story category. I had to sign a non-disclosure so I couldn’t say anything. (I was released from that on Monday.) Out of many books I made the top 20, then I made the top 5. Two days ago I heard they have selected another story and I’ve been released from the non-disclosure. I was like, “Okay Lord, this wasn’t Your Will. What’s next?” So I wait for direction on that end. The following verses come to mind: ““My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

Where ever you are in life, whatever you are facing, God IS trustworthy and loves us so much. We can rest in Him. When you are beyond stressed and drained by life, step back and just breathe. I do this and it really helps. Breathe, pray, worship the Lord, read the Bible and watch Him work things out in His way. Older worship songs always come to me at these moments. One is with me right now: Breathe by Marie Barnet (1995 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing) Once again the YouTube video isn’t loading. Let me add the link so you can check it out if you’re unfamiliar with it. He will refresh you are you worship along. https://youtu.be/oZhUesUaM98?si=HXoW5SAKBQ9lu3pO

Have a productive and peaceful rest of the week. Stay in prayer and God’s Word. He is faithful always. God bless you all.

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

In the “trenches”

July 9, 2026Leave a Comment

This blog may take a bit of time to put together. A friend and his wife who are missionaries in Italy, actually sent me the above picture recently and it resonated with me deeply. I decided to follow “Salt & Light” because inspiring messages are always welcome.

I am not one to complain or showcase my struggles but there comes a time when sharing, although uncomfortable, most likely encourages others also in the “trenches” of life. In all honestly, in my 57 years of life, there has always been some struggle. God has always enabled me to bounce back. If you have ever read my memoir Rooted by the Water many of the chapters begin with the metaphor of water stirring, churning, waves forming then the BIG one. It seems God allows the build up of life issues, as not to totally overwhelm. I told my husband Ron recently, I feel like one of those punching toys, where you hit it, it rears back then bounces back up. I told him I feel like those punches come from all sides in life. So when my friend Jack sent me the above I totally got it. I’m often like Elijah saying “Lord, I’ve had enough! I’m done!” But it keeps coming.

Let’s see if I can briefly summarize the “trenches”: communication lapse with just about everyone…. I don’t hear it all and I dont’ see it all either. Whether I’m with hearing people or deaf people I miss something. Hearing people expect me to “get it”… well I don’t always and it’s not my fault. Deaf friends will repeat and help and I so appreciate that. Then there is the vision limitation…. Oh my goodness. “Lord why in the world do I have to deal with this?” I have not been to the eye doctor in years. At last check my vision was 20/400 (what I see at 20 feet, if you have good vision, you can see it from 400 feet. Let that sink in). There is the church issue. I miss my church. We stopped going so my husband could take our son to work. He has to be at work at the exact same time of the interpreted service. Other churches we visit don’t have sign language interpreters. Sometimes notes are sent and sometimes not. There are things with friends too: friends come and friends go, people go through different seasons in life and you feel left behind. It’s no ones fault, it’s just life.

This past Spring I began to try marketing my memoir again. A professor came across my book when looking for books on resilience. He really liked it and reached out, wondering why I have a good rating but not many reviews. I told the Lord, “You enabled me to write this story, the journey you have me on, but I have no clue on the visibility end or the marketing end. You created me to encourage and inspire for a reason. It’s not meant to sit buried online.” So, I hired a “Book Strategist”. I throughly checked the references she gave and everyone spoke highly of her. She seems very knowledgeable and kind, but we’ve hit a “hiccup”. I purchased Tier 3 which would greatly help with visibility. She is now insisting I need a professionally designed website (by her team) in order to fulfill what I pad for. This is not part of our agreement. My son Joshua created a wonderful website with all the features she said my first one lacked. We now need to add my social media links and it should be pretty much finished. She says it’s not enough for a long term career. This is not a career, but more a ministry. She and others think I will write more books. While I would love that and I’m full of ideas, alas… my vision is a real issue.

Now here comes the technology issue. Two days ago I was sent a some forms to fill out. I wanted to do it digitally because it looks more professional. I spent more than four hours trying to fill out these simple forms. More than FOUR HOURS to no avail! It would not work for some reason. The font went back and forth between small and large. The large font wouldn’t fit the line due to being cut off every single time. . It was the most absurd experience. Even Ron tried and it didn’t work for him either. He finally said, just give up. I said, “If I gave up in life I would not be standing here right now.” I finally caved, printed and filled the forms out by hand. My handwriting is not pretty. I have to use a video magnifier to be able to see what I’m writing. I carefully filled it out and Ron took it to get it uploaded for me to send off as an attachment. Guess what? The attachment wouldn’t come through! Seriously?!?! Ron caught me talking to myself and he asked, “What did youn say?” I replied, “I said I can’t do this.” And wow, I never say that! Ron went back to ask what the issue might be and he tried again. It still wouldn’t come through. They finally sent it to our son and he sent it off for me.

It seems like life is a joke at times. The struggle comes from every single side. I’m like “Hello God, I could really use some help down here”. Everyone wants something. Unsolicited advertisements come in all the time and I’m learning to trust no one. I’m the kind of person that aims to be kind and appreciative to all, but there is a fine line when it’s too much. I respond to many of the emails and many comment on how kind and pleasant I am. I try to reflect Jesus. “But Lord, I’m not meant for all these marketing pitches.”

Three days ago I was looking through Bible devotions on the Bible App. There are many plans to choose from on many topics. I found one of “EquipHer’ It talks about the “trenches” in life and how God does not waste these times. Yesterday’s lesson talked about when the trials are a long season. One of the quotes is : Faith is the glue that holds your journey together, even when everything feels fragmented. – Christa Crawford. Faith does not cancel difficulty or deny your exhaustion, it gives you strength and courage to walk through it. (Bible App reading plan. EquipHer Devotional series Volume 27, Day 3)

This devotion has been a breath of fresh air for a weary soul. Yes, I was already aware of these truths, but reminders are so helpful. Even the people closest to me don’t realize the struggles, I don’t complain. Ron is probably the only one that sees it. (Most of it) But God sees it all! He knows and he equips. This season is some sort of training for what lies ahead. All I can do is “be still and know He is God”, take some deep breaths, dig my heels in and steady myself with the deep roots of faith that have gone deep over many years of struggle. God’s got this!

Today I’m heading out for a refreshing time with good friends. Lunch, time by the pool and laughter is just what I need. Thankful for this “break” in life. If you too are struggling and can’t seem to catch a break, know that God doesn’t waste these “life trenches” He is training you because He knows you will rise up to declare His glory. Hang in there. I’m hanging with you!!🙏🤟🏼

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Times of refreshing

June 28, 2026Leave a Comment

It’s officially summer here in upstate South Carolina and it’s already been hot. This year our grass has looked better than it ever has but, yes there is a but, with the heat and little rain it’s starting to turn brown. The last three days we have had short periods of rain and it has been so refreshing. It not only cools things off a bit, but provides much needed hydration. I love the short periods of rain.

Today I not only got the short rainfall but also a much needed spiritual rain. You might wonder what I mean. Let me explain life a bit. While there are many solid Christian churches around here, I only know of one with sign language interpreters for the hearing impaired. One!! Today I got to go “home” to that one and it was refreshing to my soul. My husband and I got married in that church 32 years ago. It will always be “home” to me. Life has us in a different season right now where we can’t make it to the service that is interpreted but today I went with a friend. Oh the joy of worshipping among friends that are like family. The joy of understanding the message in a way that I could gleam from.

While I greatly appreciate notes from Pastors of churches we have gone to, it’s not the same as understanding. Being a part of worship, where I can actually participate is so refreshing. I love to worship the Lord and know many worship songs, both old and new. Being both hearing and visually impaired, I can’t see lyrics on a screen even if I’m on the first row. So worship through sign language is a huge blessing. My friend told me to go again with her sometime and my husband encouraged me to go as well. He can hear and see so he doesn’t have the comprehension issues.

For anyone in ministry, I highly encourage you to provide services for the hearing impaired where they can fully participate in the service, receiving of the Word of God and worship. Because of language barriers many deaf people do not know Jesus. Many churches send teams for mission work when there might be mission work right under your roof. Just saying. While I always appreciate any kindness, any notes or assistance, it honestly is truly refreshing to fully be able to participate. I’m so thankful for this church and the hearing impaired family there. The interpreters are like family. Such an amazing blessing to all who enters their doors or watch online. You can check them out at http://www.centralnc.org

I pray you too have times of refreshing coming your way. The daily grind of life can wear us down, but time in prayer, God’s Word and worship brings rest to our hearts and makes the burdens lighter. Have a blessed week.

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Seeking more than a Miracle~

June 16, 2026June 16, 2026Leave a Comment

I have been doing a little devotion on this topic. I enjoy reading different devotionals along with my online Bible. (I have many physical Bibles in different translations but can no longer see well enough to read them.) It’s interesting to see peoples views on the Bible, but of course the only one that matters is how the Holy Spirit guides me in scriptures and helps me apply it to my life.

As a person living with vision and hearing disabilities, I’ve always been drawn to the miracles Jesus performed in the Bible. (He still performs them today as well.). While I have experienced healing within my heart in dealing with my limitations, I have not “yet” experienced physical healing, although I have been prayed over for years. I can just assume it’s not God’s perfect time just yet. I have learned to surrender my desires and pray like Jesus, “not my will but yours be done.” I like how the Gospel of Mark shares this verse, although it is in orther Gospels in the Bible as well. Mark‬ ‭14‬:‭36‬ says, “And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.”” (NKJV‬‬) I know this to be true and so I cling to it. I don’t understand the suffering in this world, but I know God is completely sovereign and is able to do anything He wishes. I trust He sees the big picture and is taking care of me, placing me where He desires for His kingdom work.

I came across the following verse this morning. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬) Every day, I must submit to God. I must seek Jesus in everything I do. It must be way way more than seeking a miracle. It must always be about seeking His presence and guidance.

Can I be completely transparent here? A few weeks ago a street evangelist I met years ago sent me his YouTube channel. Joel is a humble amazing Bible teacher. He was healed from stage 4 cancer and sees many many miracles. I messaged him and asked him if he would minister to a friend who has cancer. He said he would but asked me to share a video of him teaching on the topic. (Preparation for the conversation) I watched the video myself, reading the transcript (zoomed large so I could see it) since I can’t hear well. It is am amazing insightful Bible teaching. I will ask if I can share it. There were three things we need to examine our hearts for. Do we have any un-forgiveness? Do we have any bitterness? Do we have any envy? These are things that can hinder receiving healing and we must confess them to the Lord. I thought to myself, I do not harbor any un-forgiveness as I am a very merciful person. I also don’t have any bitterness that I am aware of. But envy….Lord I have envy and it troubles me. Before you judge, let me explain. I have a servants heart and I’d love to be able to just get in the car and bless someone, but I can’t see well enough to drive. Every place I go in life must be first filtered through someone else’s willingness to take me. That is something I “had” to come to terms with a long long time ago. Just because I want to do something does not mean someone else will be willing to take me and pick me up and even help me understand while I’m serving It’s a real struggle and I realize as I think of this that perhaps I envy those who can just make decisions and do them without someone having to help. I’d love to be able to work. Yes you read that right. The vast majority of jobs require ability to hear and see. The combination of my disabilities is very hindering. (Not to mention it requires getting there and home.) As I reflected on this video, ever since watching, it honestly sadden me. I have prayed, “Lord I am human. Yes I envy others ability to have independence, be able to comprehend speech well and be able to see. 20/400 vision with hearing difficulties is no joke. It’s tough. And of course there are those who notice, “You’re not hearing well today”. Yes, unfortunately but what can I do about it? My mantle in this life is to lean on Jesus and seek His presence to enable me to function for His glory. You might wonder the definition of mantle. Mantle means, accepting a significant calling, profound responsibility, or specific life mission. (Google definition) This mantle truly requires me to lean heavily on the Holy Spirit, otherwise I’d be long gone by now. So you see, for me it goes way beyond seeking a miracle, but actually living in the miracle worker’s (Jesus) presence.

Do I still desire healing? Oh yes! (And I pray for many people who also need healing.) I’m trusting God with His best. He has us where we are for a reason. He doesn’t waste any opportunities to be glorified. “Here I am Lord” use me, my story, my limitations, the fact that You work so powerfully in our weaknesses. Be glorified today Lord”

P.S. I reached out to Joel for permission to share his video. I will add the link below. It is very good. I recommend subscribing to his YouTube channel. It will bless you.

https://youtu.be/h6tFHXHP16Y?si=wAtLDK30_Df_0Hq8
http://www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Deeply touched💙

May 25, 2026Leave a Comment

First let me say, Happy Memorial Day. I’m beyond thankful for the service men and women who have given it all for our freedom here in America. Take time to reflect on the “cost” of the freedoms we enjoy. 🇺🇸

I was not planning to write today but my heart was deeply touched this morning. Since working with the “Book Strategist”, reviews and ratings are beginning to trickle in on Goodreads. When my book first came out five years ago a few friends wrote reviews on Amazon. I greatly appreciate them taking the time. It’s a completely different thing when perfect strangers read and put into writing how the book moved them. I was in tears as I read the review this morning on Goodreads. Below is a screenshot of the review. This is why I wrote the book. Marion “nailed it” in the review. Just wanted to share. During my quiet time this morning I prayed, “Lord this is your story. Take it where you want it to go and reach those whom you desire to encourage.”

Another quick note….shout out to my son Joshua. I mentioned some things that I’d like to add to the basic website.It’s now a work in progress as he has taken over the website for me. He too faces visual and hearing limitation challenges, but it’s not as severe as mine. (Thank you Got and God willing his won’t worsen) He is a smart guy and wanted to see if he could figure out the website management. He was able to add my new book video trailer. He was so excited. You don’t realize how we use the computer….. we have to zoom in so we can see. I had not seen him on a computer in a while and it made me pause to watch him and his determination to figure it out. The “apple surely doesn’t fall far from the tree” He face timed a friend who is very talented with these things and his friend was laughing, telling him what he had accomplished wasn’t easy. Joshua wants to try to figure it all out for me. I’ll tell you, he can be a prankster though. He told me he thought about changing the name to “Rooted by the Booger”. I said, “You better not!!!” We have that playful kind of relationship. Anyway, check out the website link below if you’d like to see the book video trailer. We will see where God takes this. I am humbled and beyond grateful for this experience.

Blessings to you all!