#writer – rootedbythewater.blog

The Dilemma

January 7, 2026Leave a Comment

It’s the first Wednesday of 2026 and I have been praying about stepping down from a “role” that I’ve been given for the last 7 months. In this “role” half of me wants to continue and half of me wants to stop. The reasons behind the desire to stop stem from feelings of inadequacy and wondering if it’s making any difference at all. So I’ve been praying.

This past Sunday I started participating in a 21 day fast to align myself with God’s Will for my life. This “role” has been one of my prayer points and it is amazing that in four days I have already discerned four prompts to continue. The first prompt came as I was reading a devotion. I sensed God saying to me, ””“speak”. Ummm…. Okay Lord! The second prompt came when a friend directed me to a post on Facebook. Right now I am really limiting my time on social media but it was a story on Beethoven who was hearing impaired. The story shared how Beethoven had limited social skills but was brilliant on a piano. One of his friends lost their son and when he went to comfort his friend, he just sat down at the piano and poured out his grief through piano music. This gift touched his friend deeply. What I got from this story was that I too feel socially awkward at times with the way I hear and see but I can bring the “skills” I have and let them bless others.

The third prompt came through a devotion from Free Chapel Church. They have a daily devotion during their 21 days of prayer and fasting. On day 2 the devotion was on Elisha helping the poor widow, with scripture from 2 King 4:1-2; “One day the widow of a member of the group of prophets came to Elisha and cried out, “My husband who served you is dead, and you know how he feared the Lord. But now a creditor has come, threatening to take my two sons as slaves.” “What can I do to help you?” Elisha asked. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?” “Nothing at all, except a flask of olive oil,” she replied.” (NLT‬‬). When Elisha asks the widow what she had, it took the focus off her lack and onto what God could use. The miracle happened through her obedience to what was asked of her. The widow obeyed Elisha’s instructions and the limited amount of oil she had flowed until there were no more empty vessels. Wow!! This hit me right where I needed it. When I stand up to do the devotions at the homeless outreach I feel so limited by what I myself bring to that podium. I have no clue if anyone is really “getting” what I’m sharing. I don’t “see” the responses. But, from reading this devotion God prompted me to not focus on what I can’t do but to bring what I have and let Him multiply it until every vessel is filled. (Every person is reached for His glory). It’s a reminder that it’s not me, but Him who does the reaching. It doesn’t matter if I can see their responses or hear what they say. What matters is to obey what God prompts me to do. I’ll tell you this is one of the more challenging things I’ve ever done. I don’t think I will ever be “comfortable” in this “role” but I need to be obedient to what God calls me to do. This third prompt came from the e mailed devotion from Free Chapel 2026 Day 2 Devotion, which was such a nudge from the Holy Spirit. (I’m not sure how to reference the devotion that came through e mail but if you google Free Chapel church I’m sure the website has information about their 2026 fast that is going on now. The daily e mailed devotions are “spot on”!!!)

Tonight I received a fourth prompt. Tonight during the devotion, I talked about how our perspective on things and situations spills over into our outlook on life. I used four scriptures to talk about this point and used the demonstration of a glass of water that was half full. I asked them what they saw: a half full of half empty glass of water. Two key verses I used were Philippians 4:8 and Romans 12:2. After the ministry time was over, my husband Ron and I were leaving. One of the men stopped to talk with us. I look forward to seeing him every week. I remember a few months ago after teaching on the “great’s of faith” in Hebrews, he accepted one of the Bible’s we have available for anyone. Tonight he told us he has been praying for us and reading his Bible. WOW!! Glory to God!!! It seems God is clearly deciding this “dilemma” for me. I am listening and will obey.

Moral of the story: listen because God speaks through many things. It might be a spoken word, a facebook post, an emailed devotion or a man at a homeless shelter. We just need to “be still”, listen and obey. Don’t be afraid to do things you feel led to do even if you yourself don’t have all it takes to do it. When God asks you to do something, He will equip you, just obey and do what He asks.

Be blessed! Better yet, Be a blessing!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

It’s a WRAP!!

December 26, 2025Leave a Comment

Joshua snowboarding (why he isn’t wearing a jacket, I have no clue ) Photo credit – Coleman.

Another Christmas has come to an end. This year was a bit different, but we enjoyed it. That’s the thing about life, you learn to accommodate and live in the moment. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just enjoy each other. That was this year!

We decided to open gifts this year on Christmas eve eve day.(If that makes any sense) Since Ron and I were helping with the Christmas Eve homeless ministry, our son Joshua decided to go snowboarding with a friend that day. We had gotten him some new gear for Christmas so we went ahead and gave it to him so he could put it to good use, enjoying the day of snowboarding. He said the conditions weren’t the best, with fog and a bit icy, but he had fun.

With the homeless outreach that night Ron and I were not sure what we were getting into. Some of the team were out of town and our main leader had been “under the weather” but he made it “with full energy”. (How he does that is a marvel!) I had been praying that it would end up being a special time for the people and God sure did show up!!! A group provided BBQ brisket, baked beans, coleslaw, rolls and gifts. WOW! I honestly misread the text I got. The group also wanted to do the devotion and I read it as decoration. (🤭In true Shannon fashion. When I see a word, I don’t always SEE all the letters. The words have the same beginning and ending letters.). It was all good though. The group was a HUGE blessing. My friends also provided MANY desserts so the people had a nice treat. My Mom joined us as well and she enjoyed it. Afterwards, we went to Waffle House for dinner. There was the coolest truck there covered with Christmas lights and a Santa hat lite up on top. We are so thankful for the Lord’s provision.

Christmas Day, Joshua was invited to one of his best friend’s family farm for lunch. He really enjoyed that and fed the goats and saw the horses. His friend brought him to our family get together at Mom’s for dinner, where we got to see my brother’s family and his grandkids. It was so much fun. I love seeing the little ones enjoy Christmas. Four little angels under the age of four. The excitement and the joy were fun to see. Mom loves when we are all together. It was a nice celebration of Jesus birth. I will say, I got the sweetest gift from our son. He gave me a garnet stone ring in sterling silver. That is his birthstone. I have always wanted one and it is very special.

I did do more studying on the Christmas story this year and am amazed what you can learn when you slow down and really look at the story. It’s so familiar that we can quickly read through it without really letting it sink in our hearts. God loves us so much He wanted to be with us~ Immanuel, God with us! Hearing from God is not about understanding everything, it’s about moving forward in faith. That’s what Mary did. She didn’t understand it all but said, “I am the Lord’s servant, let it be according to your word.” (Luke 1;38) She moved forward in faith. Faith is not having all the answers, but trusting God’s plan. We see this in how Joseph responded when he found out Mary was with child. With instructions from an angel in a dream, Joesph trusted God’s plan.

Christmas proves that God is not distant. He is with us. Jesus came to save us from our sins. 2 Corinthians 9;15 says, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.” (NKJV) “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” ‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭14‬ ‭(ESV‬‬) What an incredible rescue mission God has provided for us to be reconciled to Himself. Then we see in John 1:12, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,” (ESV) Thank you Lord for loving us so so well!

Gods voice is steady guiding us towards peace and purpose even when our circumstances are overwhelming. We can trust Him. He has proven Himself faithful. It’s my prayer that you will fully put your trust in Jesus and discover for yourself what an awesome God we serve.

Be blessed!! Www.shannonkhinson.com

Comfort & Joy trickling in~

December 21, 2025Leave a Comment

To say I’ve been stressed lately is an understatement! I mean, really, everyday life is stressful with trying to see things and understand. (Visual and hearing impairments are no joke) Trust me, there is much miscommunication that goes on around here. Half the time I can do nothing about it but adjust my attitude and response. While at Great Clips for a haircut on Friday, as I walked in while Ron was parking, a guy acted like he knew me and asked where my husband was. It turned out to be one of my husband’s friends and I was embarrassed that I didn’t see him well enough to know who he was. That’s just a tiny example. When I’m at home, I’m fine but in unfamiliar areas, it can be stressful. Plus the fact, it’s Christmas time.

While we don’t do a lot around the holidays, we do a few things. Year round we are on a team that serves the homeless. We will be serving Christmas Eve, but most of our team won’t be able to come: out of town or “under the weather”. When God opens a door, I typically step in, even though I’m so unprepared. I’ve been praying for about two weeks about this upcoming time of ministry, that God would work it out to be something very special for the people so they could see God’s love for them. Let me just say, as of right now, things are falling into place unlike I could have ever imagined. Some friends from the book club that I’m in are bringing desserts and a friend just sent me a picture of 150 cookies that she and her boyfriend had made. Ron and I thought we could be cooking for the event but it sounds like a group has stepped up to totally bless these precious people with BBQ, beans and coleslaw. I am in tears at the faithfulness of God. Once the dinner is complete and I have a chance, I will give an update. I am so blown away by the faithfulness of God and watching Him work it all out. Many sweet people are helping and it is beautiful!

The last few weeks I’ve talked to the people about different parts of the Christmas story. This Wednesday we will wrap it up. Well, actually God has already wrapped it up in the gift of Jesus birth. I pray He gives me the words to speak well for His glory. (It will be a pretty short devotion but to share how God has brought it all together for the special meal and desserts, just WOW!).

We had our girlfriend’s Christmas dinner last week. One friend gave us all a nice Christmas mug. I think everyone’s had their initial and a Christmas design. Mine had “Comfort & Joy” with a Christmas design. It was like God was telling me something. He brings good tidings of comfort and joy when we trust in Him. In trusting Him, I have to let go of the situations troubling me and trust Him to work it out. As I pour out my heart to the Lord, He has used different parts of the Christmas story to impress things upon my heart. From being obedient like Mary in a perplexing situation, the shepherds hearing the angels in noise, to eagerly following Jesus like the wisemen followed the star, to making room for Jesus, there is much the Lord has impressed upon me this season. As I “let go and let God”, truly trusting Him when I don’t see how it’s going to work. Seeing God work behind the scenes to bring things together, I’m in awe of God. He is faithful always. He loves us so much He came, with a manager as His bed. Such humility, compassion and love. People were expecting a ruler not a baby born to a virgin and placed in a manager. But that baby changed everything. Jesus! Immanuel, God with us! His good tidings of comfort & joy are trickling in and my heart is full. I wish you a blessed Christmas week with your family and friends. Don’t forget those less fortunate. Give the gift of you: your time, kindness, compassion, a listening ear, prayer and resources if you can spare anything. I’ve learned it is far more blessed to give than receive.

Merry Christmas to you all!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

My husband Ron, me, our son Joshua and his puppy Moose.

A wonder in theCOLD

December 16, 2025Leave a Comment

Early mornings usually find me outside in the back yard with our grand-puppy Moose. As he runs around in the yard, all energized by the cold, I’ve noticed buds on Dad’s tulip tree. We planted this tree in his honor five years ago after he passed away. It typically blooms around his heavenly birthday. I was surprised to see buds all over it, especially with the cold weather we have been having. Even though I’ve never seen it bloom at this time of year, the buds give me hope for beautiful things ahead. When I see these buds I think of Dad. He loved Christmas and was the best “tree fluffer”. I remember his very last Christmas with us, he and I were putting their Christmas tree together. I told him I needed his “good eyes” to find the little plugs in the tree to light it up. We got it done and he fluffed it. Precious memories. I sure do miss him. He would be so proud of my Mom as she goes over and beyond to keep things going. She is amazing!

Dad fixing Christmas fruit boxes for the community. His legacy of loving others lives on in us all.

During this busy time of year, we can overcommit and wear ourselves out with our fun traditions. Be sure to take time to slow down and rest in the beautiful wonder of Jesus birth. Just like the shepherds who were going about their usual business of watching their flocks at night. When they saw the heavenly announcement of Jesus birth, they stopped “business as usual” and went to behold this wonder. Let’s do the same! The traditions are fun but make sure to “stop and take in the wonder of Jesus birth”. Find rest this season in the miracle of Christmas. O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him. O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Let the festivities begin

December 1, 2025Leave a Comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://www.shannonkhinson.com

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

UGHHH…..The Irony

November 23, 2025November 23, 2025Leave a Comment

Oh the irony of life! God surely has a sense of humor and sometimes I don’t quite find it so amusing. Thus the title of this blog. Usually Sunday afternoon finds me working on the upcoming devotion for the homeless ministry. This Wednesday I am planning to teach on thankfulness. The thing is, it’s been a frustrating day. Whether it is the real struggle of miscommunication, trying in vain to see power points that I can’t see, not able to follow worship music in church…. Etc….. and here I am working on a devotion about thankfulness. Okay Lord! Help me be teachable so I can in turn teach others. The struggle is real!

Don’t get me wrong, I am thankful but it honestly takes a shift of perspective. I’m sitting here making notes for Wednesdays devotion and my iPad starts doing this odd “jiggle scroll movement” on its own, over and over. Mind you… it only does this on ZOOM and guess what? I’m typically zoomed in when I’m online so I can see. I’m actually laughing at the moment at the irony.

Let me share a short bit from my notes for Wednesday: I Thessalonians 5:18, “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (NLT) In Philippians 4:6 the Apostle Paul links prayer and thanksgiving. “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

Thankfulness starts in the heart and prayer is so important in addressing heart issues. For example; When we take the focus off the problem and choose to thank God , our attitudes can shift for the better We can address whatever we are facing by praying about it and thanking God. If you know what I deal with day to day , all I can say is, Lord take the wheel! I’m done!” Miscommunication is frustrating. Technology issues are frustrating. My cochlear implant battery actually died while sitting here on the porch. I normally immediately change it but it’s kind of peaceful sitting here in utter silence.

I’ve been praying about the church situation. I love the church we’ve gone to for the last several years but right now circumstances have us trying to find one closer to home since my husband takes our son to work Sunday mornings. If you know me, I can get lost in true worship. I can often times recognize songs by the musical chords before the lyrics even start (thanks to my cochlear implant processor) But the non traditional churches we’ve visited are so loud, with heavy bass and drums, I am unable to follow. The lyrics were up on the screen today. We sat on the second row. I told Ron it is so weird the way I see (or don’t see). I see some of the letters but I can’t make out the words. (Optic nerves are too small so all the stimulus doesn’t get through). The music is so overly LOUD it distorts things to my hearing with my implant. (that’s most churches) Tears actually spilled over in my frustration today. (Just briefly. Sometimes you’ve got to let it out.) God knows. It’s just a weird season right now. BUT…. I’ve got to be thankful. God help me find the silver liner during this time.

So that is where I am today. Linking prayer and thanksgiving, making my requests known to God. He knows anyway. Thanking Him for this coming week, this coming devotion, thanking Him for working all these things out according to His Will and pleasure. As you prepare for Thanksgiving week, make time to reflect on God’s goodness and faithfulness. Take time to include others who may not be fortunate to have someone to share a meal with. There are many ways to reach out to others. When you bless others, God returns the blessing to you in some way.
Happy Thanksgiving week to you all!

Www.shannonkhinson.com

Faith~ Story of my life

November 15, 20252 Comments

Now don’t get me wrong, this is not the “story of my life”. That would take a long series with hilarity and tears and I’m not going there in this blog. Rather…. Faith itself is the “story of my life”. Everyday I wake up and choose to have faith that God has me and my family in the palm of His hands. No place I’d rather be, than in His hands and His loving arms.

Last week at the homeless outreach in Rock Hill, SC I shared on “living by faith”. On the way there I teared up in the car as my husband Ron was driving down I-77 South. I held those tears back as I didn’t want him to know. It is amazing how God works these devotions in me before I present them to the people. And…. Lord I do want it to be YOU speaking through an empty me and never me just up there speaking”.

Living by faith is not an easy task when you find yourself in circumstances less than appealing. I’ve actually been gaining confidence as I share on Wednesdays, noted by others who have said so. Last Wednesday, they handed me a microphone though and out the door went my confidence. Something about a microphone un-nerves me. Why? Well, honestly I use my hands when I talk. I also have to zoom in to see my notes on my iPad. Let me tell you, when you have to constantly zoom in on an iPad it starts doing a little jiggle and rushes to the bottom of my notes. 😳 God please! Yep, that happens pretty regularly and thus the microphone in my other hand, throws me off. Some of the people said they could hear me better though so I’ll do it. Life is a “learning curve”, each step prepares us for the next.

I began last Wednesday with a question,”Have you ever prayed hard and it seemed like God doesn’t answer?” I shared with them that I have, in fact kind of regularly. Sometimes we pray about something so much we lose sight of who we are praying to – God almighty, our creator and sustainer, the One who knows whats best for us.

The Bible is full of “great people” that God used for His glory. If you study the scriptures you will find that often what made them “great” was the trials and struggles they endured and came out the other side glorifying God. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (NKJV‬‬) Ok Lord, you know I don’t “see” a lot of things but I’m trusting you in this “daily grind” and the long run. A little further in that chapter of Hebrews we see the following verse: “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” (NKJV‬‬) That is so true! When we surrender to Jesus, Heaven is our home. We are just passing through down here on earth. It’s kind of a hard truth when you live a constant trial, BUT GOD! I say that because, His power is made perfect in our weaknesses when we give it over to Him.

Let me mention the last two verses of this chapter; “And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.” Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭39‬-‭40‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬) So they did not receive the promise but saw it from afar and God had something better for them. It boils down to trusting God. I look at it this way, God is my Heavenly Father and He knows whats best. I had an amazing earthly father and I sure do miss him. He always listened when I needed to talk. He loved me and my brother and gave us wise counsel. How much more will my Heavenly Father do these things plus more. He sees the “whole picture” of our lives.

No I don’t understand why I have to live with hearing and vision issues. I don’t understand why I have to depend on others to get places because I can’t see well enough to drive. I really don’t understand why our son has to have my similar limitations. Lord it’s just a hard hard thing to witness. I don’t understand why the majority of people don’t care. They are too busy with their own lives I suppose. I can relate to the homeless people in a sense. The majority of people don’t care but God does. He has me stand before them each Wednesday and testify of the loving, all powerful God He is. We just keep on keeping on. I will smile and trust God has us and won’t ever forsake us.

This Wednesday, God willing, I’m going to continue with the subject on living by faith. I’m going to check our pantry, as I think I have some mustard seeds in there. I got mustard seeds thinking they were ground mustard, God knew I’d need them one day. I’m going to find that container and show the people how small amount of faith we need. A mustard seed is tiny. Pray God gives me the words to share, the words that will reach their hearts and encourage them to put their hope in Jesus.

That’s all for now. Maybe I will follow up after this Wednesday’s ministry. Where ever you are in life, have faith in God! He watches over us so carefully and tenderly when we are under trial and temptation. Let me encourage you with one last verse. “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.” Job‬ ‭23‬:‭10‬ ‭(ESV‬‬)

http://www.shannonkhinson.com

Perfectly imperfect

October 13, 2025Leave a Comment

Good friends are treasures. They are hard to find but when you find them, you’ve found a prize. The above picture was taken in October 2019. All 6 of my closest girlfriends were on the trip but two aren’’t in this picture. We had gathered on the porch for a group picture. My parents were up for the day and my Mom took the pictures. The story behind this picture: it was starting to drizzle and Leasa who was behind me, was trying to get me to move down the steps into the drizzle. The picture looks like she’s pushing me because I was resisting. The picture was an “accident” but is hilarious. I always say that picture is so “us”.

We’ve all been friends for a long time and have experienced different seasons of life together. We’ve studied the Bible together, laughed until we cried together, gone on trips and celebrated birthdays. We occasionally get on one another’s nerves, but we let it go. We are not perfect but we love unconditionally. That’s the beauty of true friends. You take the good and the not so good, and put it all together and end up with a truly unique group of sisters.

The Bible says in Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” ‭(ESV‬‬) True friends love through misunderstandings. True friends forgive and let it go. You can be your genuine self with friends, not worrying about what they think. A true friend knows your strengths and weaknesses and accepts you anyway. An example of this is us girls playing UNO with extra large cards so I can easily see them. See the below picture.

With true friends you don’t have to take yourselves too seriously. Laughter is good for the soul and we sure do laugh a lot together. We’ve taken so many pictures of so many memories: spontaneous shopping days, LONG 3 hour lunch chat sessions and more.

God places special people in your life to share life experiences with: the good and the not so good. Friends you can depend on to be there and pray. Friends who will help you get your mind off “life” and escape for some much needed fun. Cherish those treasures in your life. Friends truly are a gift from God. So thankful

http://www.shannonkhinson.com

Sheeple

October 5, 2025Leave a Comment

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

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

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

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

Gotta Love It

September 21, 2025September 21, 2025Leave a Comment

Screenshot of Charlie Kirk’s Memeorial service today.

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

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

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

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